Congress should do some introspection: BJP’s Rohan Gupta amid fresh INDIA bloc rift

Posted on by Vividh Bharathi

New Delhi, Dec 26 (IANS) As the AAP warned the Congress of expulsion from the INDIA bloc unless it takes action against senior leader Ajay Maken for his remarks against former Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, BJP leader Rohan Gupta on Thursday slammed Congress for its repeated blaming EVMs (Electronic Voting Machines) for its electoral defeats, urging the party to introspect instead.

Speaking with IANS, Gupta slammed Congress for its failure to understand the pulse of the nation.

“The whole country knows the reason behind the defeat of Congress, except them. Now, leaders of the INDIA bloc have said such things against their member. I want to say this is the truth,” Gupta said, adding that Congress’s habitual blaming of EVMs for its losses was a sign of its detachment from the reality of public sentiment.

“The Congress has completely lost the trust of the people. Instead of accepting responsibility, they blame EVMs,” he continued.

He further pointed out that Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah had also advised against blaming EVMs, urging the Congress to acknowledge why the public had lost faith in them.

“It would be better if they accept their defeat. And work on their shortcomings if they really want to win in the polls. Abdullah also urged Congress to stop making remarks on the functionality of EVMs,” he stated.

Gupta further accused both AAP and Congress of misleading voters in the Lok Sabha elections in the name of the INDIA bloc.

“The people of Delhi have been cheated in the name of the INDIA bloc. They fought together in the Lok Sabha elections, yet now they are exposing each other as corrupt. I want to ask about their ideology,” he said.

The BJP leader further claimed that the people of Delhi will make them both lose in the forthcoming Assembly polls.

“Delhi is the heart of the country, and its people will give both parties a fitting response by making us win in the Assembly polls,” he declared.

Meanwhile, the AAP’s frustration with the Congress stems from several recent developments. A complaint filed by the Youth Congress accused Kejriwal of misleading the public with false welfare promises like the Mahila Samman Yojana and Sanjeevani Yojana, which government departments confirmed as non-existent.

Adding fuel to the fire, Congress leader Ajay Maken’s remarks on the party’s decline in Delhi – blaming it on the 2013 decision to support AAP – did not sit well with AAP leaders. Maken also reportedly labelled Kejriwal as “anti-national.”

In a heated press conference, AAP MP Sanjay Singh demanded swift action from Congress, warning that if no action was taken against Maken within 24 hours, the AAP would consult the INDIA bloc to consider removing Congress. “Ajay Maken is reading from the BJP’s script,” Singh declared, flanked by Delhi Chief Minister Atishi.

Gupta also reacted on the return of Salman Rushdie’s banned book The Satanic Verses, asserting that there should be no restrictions on truth.

“The truth should come to light without any appeasement. The public should decide what is right and wrong,” Gupta said.

–IANS

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HM Shah inaugurates accommodations for troopers along Bengal, Tripura borders

Agartala, Dec 20 (IANS) Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Friday virtually inaugurated the state-of-the-art accommodations for border guarding troopers at the land ports in Petrapole in West Bengal and Agartala, officials said.

A senior official of the Land Ports Authority of India said that this step marks a significant leap in the welfare and operational capabilities of India’s border guarding forces, including the BSF.

The land port in Petrapole along West Bengal’s border with Bangladesh is India’s largest land port, serves as a major gateway for trade with the neighbouring country, and plays a pivotal role in the economic development of the region.

The port facilitates a significant portion of the bilateral trade activities, contributing to the prosperity of both nations.

The official said that the new accommodation for the border guarding forces at Petrapole is set to further enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of the border security operations at this vital trade hub.

He said that similarly, the land port in Agartala, strategically located on the India-Bangladesh border in Tripura, is an essential conduit for commerce and connectivity between the two countries.

The port’s upgraded facilities, including the new accommodation, are expected to boost trade, streamline border management, and provide a fillip to the regional economy.

According to the official, the new facilities at both ports, approved in December 2018 with a combined investment of approximately Rs 55 crore, are purpose-built to enhance the living conditions of the border guarding forces’ personnel.

At Petrapole, the accommodation spans over 13,339 sqm and includes an Officer Block, Subordinate Block, Jawan Block, and a dedicated Mahila Block for female units.

At Agartala, the new accommodation covers 8093.7 sqm and comprises similar blocks designed to cater to the needs of the border security staff.

The Mahila Block is constructed to accommodate 8 female jawans, ensuring their privacy and comfort. The Officer Block, with an area of 659 sqm, provides residential facilities for 5 officers.

The Subordinate Officer and Jawan Block, a four-story building, houses 16 subordinate officers and provides lodging for 128 jawans, featuring a dining area, kitchen, and a multipurpose hall.

The official launch of these facilities underscores the government’s commitment to provide modern and comfortable living spaces for security forces who tirelessly protect the country’s borders.

The successful inauguration of the accommodations for the border guarding forces’ personnel at both border points stands as a monument to the nation’s commitment to enhancing the quality of life for its security forces and highlights the strategic importance of robust border management infrastructure in promoting trade and maintaining strong international relations, an official statement said.

–IANS

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BJP claims AAP-Congress tensions mark ‘End’ of ‘INDI’ alliance

Gurugram, Dec 26 (IANS) After the Aam Aadmi Party said it would seek Congress’ removal from the INDIA bloc if it didn’t take action against senior leader Ajay Maken for calling former Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal ‘anti-national, BJP spokesperson Gourav Vallabh claimed on Thursday that the INDIA bloc is on the brink of collapse.

His comments came in response to AAP’s demand for Congress to take action against Maken, who had labeled Kejriwal as ‘anti-national.’

Gourav Vallabh, speaking to IANS, pointed to the shifting dynamics between Kejriwal and the Congress.

“A few months ago, Kejriwal was seeking Congress’ support, and now the Congress is calling him a fraud. The INDIA bloc has now become the ‘End’ alliance — and frankly, it’s over,” he told IANS.

Vallabh further asserted that despite ruling Delhi for over two decades, both Kejriwal and Congress had failed to address the city’s development needs.

“The people of Delhi have had enough of this liquor-loving party and Congress, which has no political relevance,” he said, referring to the Congress’ poor performance in the Municipal Corporation elections.

Vallabh’s remarks came after Maken on Wednesday criticised Kejriwal. During a press conference, Maken released a white paper titled “Mauka Mauka, Har Baar Dhoka,” accusing Kejriwal of being a ‘fraud’ and failing to deliver on key promises such as establishing an anti-corruption ombudsman.

Maken’s harsh words painted Kejriwal in poor light, further stoking the AAP-Congress feud.

In response, AAP leaders Sanjay Singh and Atishi on, Thursday, demanded immediate action against Maken. Singh condemned Maken’s statement, accusing him of overstepping by calling Kejriwal ‘anti-national,’ and accused Congress of aligning with the BJP in a concerted campaign against AAP. He even alleged that Congress was receiving funds and candidates’ lists are coming from the BJP office, further damaging the unity of the INDIA bloc.

With Delhi Assembly elections likely to be held early next year, Vallabh predicted a clean sweep for BJP victory in the national capital. As the political drama unfolds, the future of the INDIA bloc remains uncertain, with both AAP and Congress locked in an escalating war of words.

–IANS

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