BJP leader LK Advani on Sunday accused Prime Minister Manmohan Singh of presiding over the “most corrupt government in independent India”.
In a blog post, the Bharatiya Janata Party doyen wrote that as his second term draws to an end Manmohan Singh leaves behind a trail of scams and tainted governance.
Advani wrote, “Starting with the scandals that surfaced during the Commonwealth Games in Delhi, then proceeding to the 2 G Spectrum scams, most of the scams that came to light under Congress governments were exposures made by the C.A.G. or the judiciary and related to bribes allegedly received by ministers/officials in government for illegal favours extended to the bribe givers (sic).”
Spelling the worst of scams during the UPA tenure, Advani said he felt that the “most disgraceful scam” that came to light during UPA-I was the cash-for-votes scam. “It was an episode following the Left Front’s withdrawal of support to the UPA. Government in protest against the UPA striking a deal with Washington on the nuclear issue.”
“With this development, Dr. Manmohan Singh’s Government came face to face with a grave crisis and had to face a confidence vote in which it could have well been ousted, (sic),” said Advani.
The senior BJP leader had come down heavily on the pepper-spraying incident in the Lok Sabha over Telangana bifurcation and continuing his tirade against such unruly behaviour of MPs had said the last 10 years have seen the worst in Parliament’s history.
He wrote, “The limits of unsavory behavior were crossed the next day when……a Congress Party MP pulled out a black pepper spray and started spraying it all around so that several MPs including Smt. Sushma Swaraj had tears in her eyes, and many others were seen coughing in acute discomfort (sic).”
Expressing confidence that the Bharatiya Janata Party-led NDA will form the next government at the Centre, Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday said that this time its agenda is ‘national development alliance.’ “It is for sure that NDA will form the next government, though it stands for National Democratic Alliance, our agenda this time is ‘national development alliance’. We will fight this election on the issue of development,” Modi said at a rally in Himachal Pradesh.
Modi asked people if they trust Congress and then said if not then why are they bearing the Congress government. “The Congress government isn’t trusted by people, something that is very important for any party,” said Modi.
The BJP prime ministerial candidate again hit out at the Congress President Sonia Gandhi over her ‘fields of poison’ barb saying it is her party which has been dividing the country over caste and creed while BJP only spreads love. “It’s Congress which divided the society and the country. It has ruled the country for so many years,” Modi.
Citing bifurcation of Andhra Prdaesh, he said, “There was no strife when the NDA divided states in the year 2000. Telangana tussle is a prime example of how Congress divided the country. Telangana people and Seemandhra people are now fighting. It is Congress that spreads seeds of poison,” said Modi.
Asking people to end caste and dynasty based politics, Modi said the country had seen enough of this and now we should move to development based politics.
He took a jibe at Congress, saying now people have started ‘criticising tea-sellers and even tea’. “Congress’s arrogance is sky high and due to that they are not willing to answer the people. Congress lacks humility to admit its lapses,” he added.
Modi also took up the corruption issue highlighting that Himachal Chief Minister Virbhadra Singh is facing serious charges. “Corruption is a roadblock to development. Politics has become a career and a business for those in power for 60 years. While for the BJP, politics is service,” Modi said.
Lok Sabha Speaker Meira Kumar has asked Parliament’s Committee of Privileges to investigate and submit a report on the pepper spray incident of Lok Sabha.
The Lok Sabha on February 13 witnessed ugly scenes with Seemandhra MP Lagadapati Rajagopal using a pepper spray and TDP MP Venugopal Reddy allegedly brandishing a knife inside the House.
LS Speaker had earlier too strongly condemned the incident. “What happened today is a blot. It has shamed us. Our Parliamentary democracy is respected throughout the world. I am too much in pain. This is not the way to behave,” she had said.
She had issued a statement saying that the members of Parliament must maintain the highest standards of parliamentary decorum and uphold democratic values which have been assiduously nurtured all these six decades in our country.
In an election year, both Congress and BJP are indulging in blame game to gain an upper hand over each other. Yesterday the Congress started its preparation for the Lok Sabha election by launching Rath Yatra in six constituencies of the city. The BJP which has been known for holding Rath Yatra raised objections and said that the Congress are only blinding emulating them.
BJP MLA and state spokesperson, Ashish Shelar said, “The Congress has stolen our ideas to hold Rath Yatra for campaigning in the forthcoming general election. They are only following the footsteps of our party and are not innovative. In the past, we had launched the Rath Campaign for Modi which enabled him to become popular among the masses. Congress is blindly copying us but they won’t succeed in their endeavour.”
Member of Parliament and AICC General Secretary and CWC Member Gurudas Kamat had launched six raths for campaigning at Y.B. Chavan Centre.
When asked about the allegations made by the BJP that the Congress is only stealing the former’s ideas Gurudas Kamat replied, “The BJP is only following the policy of divide and rule by organising the Rath Yatra. The party has always been known for indulging in communal politics. On the other hand, Congress’s intention is to unite the nation by organising such events.”
On the other hand, Keshav Upadhyay, BJP spokesperson defended his party and said, “The allegations made by the Congress party are baseless. More and more people are associated with Narendra Modi this shows that BJP only brings the nation together. If we read history then we will know that Congress has been indulging in divisive politics. People will give a fitting reply to the Congress party by voting against it”.
The six rath’s launched by Congress will be spotted in all the six constituencies of Mumbai. The campaigning will commence from the Gurudas Kamat’s Mumbai North West Constituency. Earlier, BJP had launched the ‘Namo Rath’ and Narendra Modi was campaigning for the party.
The Aam Aadmi Party government has decided to go for any extent and will present the bill in the Delhi Legislation despite Lieutenant Governor Najeeb Jung writing to Speaker MS Dhir that the bill does not have his approval. Kejriwal declared that the government will fall if the Jan Lokpal Bill and Swaraj Bill are not passed. And finally, he quit as CM of Delhi. The Union Law Ministry had advised that the Lieutenant Governor, as a representative of the Centre, has the power to veto the bill if it is introduced or passed without his clearance, as the Jan Lokpal will be partly funded by the Centre. Kejriwal’s bill also overlaps with the national Lokpal law enacted in December. Friday was the last working day of the special session called just to pass the Jan Lokpal and Swaraj Bills showcased by the party in its manifesto for the Delhi election. The Congress, which provides external support to the Aam Aadmi Party government, has called for a vote on the Lieutenant Governor’s letter to decide if the bill should be tabled.
Kejriwal has rejected the view that he has to take the Centre’s sanction and has said he will resign if his pet proposal, which creates an ombudsman or “Lokpal” to investigate corrupt government officers, is not passed. The row has brought the BJP and the Congress on the same side. The two joined forces to demand Law Minister Somnath Bharti’s removal over a series of controversies, including his raid last month in his constituency targeting Ugandan women he alleged were involved in a drugs and sex racket. Kejriwal accused the two parties of “match-fixing.” A BJP legislator, RP Singh, placed bangles and lipstick on Bharti’s table and a Congress lawmaker walked up to the speaker, tore up a file and yanked his mike, accusing him of bias. The MLA, Asif Mohammad Khan, also walked to the Chief Minister’s seat and tried to rip out his mike, all drama happened in Lagislation but actual issues remained undecided. Since AAP has come to power, Congress and BJP are in dilemma. They both joined hands as opposition by objecting to each move by AAP.
Arguments over the Jan Lok Bill tabling it in Delhi Assembly are interesting as favouring or not favouring before seeking permission from the Central Government. Sad, it is that each and every Rule and clause of the Constitution becomes controversial when two legal luminaries start interpreting it in the race of displaying his/her supremacy ignoring the intent of that Rule and clause in the larger interest of the nation. Framers of the Constitution had warned that our Constitution is the best in the world to fulfill the needs of every citizen, and if anything goes wrong it is not the Constitution but the intent in the person. Now, it is up to the citizens how they keep up the sanctity or malign the Constitution. Alas! History after freedom in 1947 tells us of progress in our wellbeing and more so in dishonesty irrespective of any person at any level. Men of conviction have always come forward in the larger interest of their fellows even if the odds prevailed.
So far, political parties have been adopting the long way to showcase that they want to do something, but in reality there were no intentions of doing that. It was only possible by right people with right intentions. AAP is on the way of showing the whole political class that, how it does not matter, what they say when, one has got a clear conscience, correct intentions and should keep moving. Toothless Lokpal which is easily accepted by Anna Hazare needs amendment as there has to be some deterrence to corrupt ministers. Many corrupts can be punished and once conviction is announced wide publicity should be given to the case, the accuser and the accused to deter other government servants from indulging in corruption. It all depends on how it is implemented in reality. Delhiites will have to come forward and raise complaints against corruption though their Jan Lokpal.
This is a commendable step which shows that correct intentions are all we need to clean the political mess in our country. I hope people compare this bill with Gujarat’s Lokayukta bill and then they can gauge the intentions of both the chief ministers. The important message is that, AAP is serious with their plans and the country welfare. Why not support their intents and look forward for clean government?
People who criticize AAP should know that the party does not have any magic stick to change the policies overnight and specially with all corrupt leaders hindering Kejriwal. Whatever Arvind has achieved so far, perhaps Anna Hazare could not have achieved this. Former Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal and his supporters deserve all the praise. Till now, our politicians used to feel that they are above law and can do whatever they like, instead of acknowledging that they are elected by the people and are servants of the people. This has given room for protection and promotion of frauds. Now, immediate requirement is massive expansion of judiciary and jails too. Inspite of looking for great corruption free politics, corrupt parties and officials with corporate are trying to bring down the Delhi government. Arvind Kejriwal has an option to go to court in adverse situation, but we all know our lengthy judicial procedures will not resolve the issue timely. AAP is living up to its promises and we hope will continue do the good work.
We need to understand, Janlokpal Bill is necessary as the current arrangement didn’t prevent CWG corruption. With the amount spent for CWG India would have managed Olympics. National capital Delhi has deliberately been put under home ministry to keep the honest CMs weak and powerless. Kejriwal is speaking openly about things that Sheila used to say in private. Both Congress and BJP know what Kejriwal is talking about. Their immediate problem is self-preservation, and LS elections. What is surprising is the denial mode of major political parties, despite losing election in Delhi. They are busy in the number game of Lok Sabha election through the existing methods of caste-politics, horse-trading, using criminals in their parties etc. Clearly, they are living in the past.
Congress Vice-President Rahul Gandhi will tour Maharashtra from February 28 to March 1 as part of the party’s campaign for the Lok Sabha polls.
Though his itinerary is still being finalised, the Amethi MP, who is Co-chairman of Congress Campaign Committee for the polls, is likely to tour rural Maharashtra first before visiting Mumbai on March 1.
“Road shows, rallies and interactions are being planned during his visit. The final schedule will be ready in a few days,” AICC General Secretary in-charge of Maharashtra affairs Mohan Prakash told.
He said status quo will be maintained on the Congress- NCP seat-sharing arrangement in the State, where the former will contest 26 Lok Sabha seats and the latter 22.
“Discussions are on for swapping one or two seats. But as of now, its status quo,” he said in reply to a question.
Asked about NCP President and Union Minister Sharad Pawar’s recent comments on BJP leader Narendra Modi and reports of their meeting, Prakash said, “Pawar has already clarified on the issue. He is a senior leader whose secular credentials are not to be doubted. He is not just an NCP leader but a prominent UPA leader.”
Prakash dismissed a recent pre-poll survey which predicted a dismal showing by the Congress in the upcoming elections. “The poll predictions are baseless. Congress will do well on the basis on the UPA Government’s development agenda of the last ten years.”
The Shiv Sena on Friday targetted Maharashtra Navnirman Sena chief Raj Thackeray for leading a failed anti-toll agitation in the state two days ago and labelled him “a novice”.
“There were apprehensions that due to the MNS roadblocks, the entire state would be paralysed and the streets would be deserted… with only the (MNS) activists visible,” the Shiv Sena said in an editorial in the party mouthpiece, Saamana.
“On the contrary, the streets were full of people but agitators returned home before 2 pm!” said the editorial, taking a dig at Raj Thackeray without naming him.
It said the policemen on “bandobast” (arrangement) duty did nothing but kill flies and “many were wondering where is the agitation going on?”
“Never before in the history of the state has any major agitation ended in such a disaster,” the edit piece said.
It also pointed out that the minute the MNS top leaders were placed under preventive detention, the second and third rung leadership collapsed and the agitation fizzled out.
The Shiv Sena’s viewpoint came in the wake of the MNS virtually hijacking its anti-toll agenda and grabbing the limelight with Chief Minister Prithviraj Chavan assuring concessions on the toll imbroglio that has gripped the state in the past few weeks.
The edit said that all political parties – in the ruling Democratic Front government as well as the MNS – woke up only after the Shiv Sena’s agitation in Kolhapur last month highlighted the contentious toll issue in a big way.
Similarly, referring to the Shiv Sena’s agitation against a Pakistani music band at the Mumbai Press Club, the edit said that its activists proudly spent a few days in jail – unlike the flop show by the MNS.
Hinting at a Congress understanding with the MNS and referring to Chavan’s meeting with the MNS leadership, the edit said that the government has assured it would introduce a new toll regime before the Election Commission’s model code of conduct comes into force.
“The CM has given various assurances like abolishing toll on projects costing Rs. 10 crore and less, removing smaller roads and projects out of the toll ambit and others. Now, shouldn’t Chavan also declare how many seats MNS will contest in the next elections and its candidates?” the edit said in a sarcastic tone.
Adding that the state needed aggressive Shiv Sainiks and there was no place for “drama” in the name of agitation, the Shiv Sena labelled Raj Thackeray as a “novice” whom the people have no option but to forgive.
The Bombay High Court today asked the Centre, the Maharashtra State Road Development Corporation (MSRDC) and the National Highway Authority of India to file replies by March 17 on two public interest litigations on the toll levy, particularly on the busy Mumbai-Pune route.
The state was recently roiled by anti-toll agitations.
The division bench headed by Justice S J Vajifdar also asked the respondents to specify their stand on the manual of specifications and standards for four-laning of National Highways, introduced by the Ministry of Surface Road Transport in 2008. The manual prescribes facilities that a toll plaza must have, including the truck-bay, bus-bay, toilets, rest area and automatic recording of vehicular movement.
The court was hearing the PILs filed by MNS MLA Nitin Sardesai and RTI activist Sanjay Shirodkar. One PIL challenges toll rates while the other alleges non-implementation of the 2008 manual.
Petitioners’ lawyers Srihari Aney and Sayaji Nangre argued that the toll rates were “arbitrary and illegal”, in particular on the Mumbai-Pune Expressway and sections of the old Mumbai-Pune Highway (NH-4).
Petitioners also object to toll levy on the old Mumbai-Pune Highway though the construction of the new road is not yet complete. The state and Mhaiskar Infrastructure and M/s Ideal Road Builders, who are in public-private partnership to construct the road, should not collect the toll, they demand.
“The manner in which the toll is imposed upon the general public travelling on the said Highways is most arbitrary, unreasonable, unfair and unconstitutional.”
“The public at large has to pay the toll fees with respect to the facilities which are not completed by Mhaiskar Infrastructure and M/s Ideal Road Builders,” petitioners contend.
The State and the MSRDC have a primary responsibility for providing good roads for transport. Since they were unable to construct and maintain quality roads, they decided to appoint private individuals/companies for building, operating and maintaining roads by imposing toll, petitioners say.
A youth was allegedly stabbed to death by his elder brother following a brawl between them at Dadar in Central Mumbai over a married woman, with whom the victim had an affair, police said.
The 21-year-old accused, Navin Goswami, stabbed his brother Jituraj (20) thrice on his back with a knife after an argument between them turned violent on Ranade Road in Dadar at 10.30 PM last night, said Deputy Police Commissioner Dhananjay Kulkarni.
Jituraj succumbed to his injuries following which Navin, who works as a manager at an ice cream parlour in Dadar, was arrested, the officer added.
According to police, Navin and Jituraj, who hailed from Uttar Pradesh, had been staying in Bandra.
Navin discovered that Jituraj had been having an affair with a married woman from Uttar Pradesh. As Navin objected to this, he called up the woman’s husband and informed him about the affair, police said.
The woman’s husband severely reprimanded her over the matter, and when Jituraj came to know about it, he rushed to Navin’s shop last night and began arguing with him.
The argument turned violent when Navin in a fit of rage picked up a knife and stabbed Jituraj on his back thrice on the road, causing him fatal injuries, police added.
The victim was rushed to nearby Shushrusha Hospital where he succumbed to the injuries, police said.
The accused was arrested on the charges of murder by Shivaji Park police and further probe is on.
Taking a dig at the ‘Maha-Yuti’ (grand alliance) of the opposition parties including the Shiv Sena and BJP, Maharashtra Congress today said the grouping would turn into a “grand wrestling arena” as the elections come nearer.
Referring to the reported differences between the alliance members over the Maadha Lok Sabha seat, state Congress spokesperson Sachin Sawant said it is inevitable when people with differing ideologies come together only for power.
Sawant pointed out that recently the senior BJP leader Nitin Gadkari had himself rubbished the alliance’s promise of ‘toll-free’ Maharashtra.
Congress Vice-President Rahul Gandhi will tour Maharashtra from February 28 to March 1 as part of the party’s campaign for the Lok Sabha polls.
