BJP lambasts Rahul, Mamata for taking dig at PM
The BJP on Wednesday took serious exception to Congress president Rahul Gandhi and Trinamool Congress chief Mamata Banerjee’s comments against Prime Minister Narendra Modi, whom they accused of trying to “take the credit” of the achievement of space scientists in shooting down a live satellite.
In a broadcast to the nation on television, radio and social media, Modi announced that India had demonstrated anti-satellite missile capability by shooting down a live satellite and described it as a rare achievement that puts the country in an exclusive club of space super powers.
But the way PM made the unprecedented broadcast did not go well with the opposition parties who reminded the government that the ‘ASAT’ programme was initiated during the Congress-led UPA rule.
Taking a dig at Modi, Rahul Gandhi wished him “happy World Theatre Day” after his address to the nation.
West Bengal chief minister termed the announcement as “yet another limitless drama and publicity mongering by Modi.”
Commenting on Gandhi and Banerjee’s remarks, BJP leader and former minister Ajay Chandrakar said: “India has become the fourth country in the world to have the capacity to target a satellite in space. The (country’s) leadership should be appreciated for taking the initiative.”
He said the Opposition leaders were not ready to give credit to the government for the feat.
“Instead they are demeaning the post of the Prime Minister by making baseless comments,” Chandrakar claimed while addressing media.
The BJP leader also criticised Congress party’s basic minimum income guarantee scheme, saying Rahul Gandhi had earlier undermined the poverty by dubbing it a “state of mind.
“Now by offering to pay Rs 72000 annually to poor people what is he trying to prove?” Chandrakar asked.
The BJP leader further accused the Congress government in the state of going back on its poll promise of imposing prohibition.
Citing recent pre-poll raids conducted against liquor shops at the behest of the Election Commission for overcharging, the BJP leader said the actions were initiated after his party raised the issue.
The raids further vindicated the BJP’s stand on liquor sale in the state, he said.
