‘Removing Gandhi’s name wrong’
Fayaz Bukhari
Srinagar, Dec 20: Chief Minister Omar Abdullah today said that he has no complaints with the Modi-led Government at the Centre except on the restoration of Statehood to Jammu and Kashmir.
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Speaking to reporters here, Omar said while the Centre has not left “any scope for complaint in other things, when it comes to the issue of Statehood, they have not given us anything other than (reasons for) complaining about it”.
“Wherever the Centre has helped, I have acknowledged it. I cannot lie to please anyone; that would be wrong. But when it comes to Statehood, there are only complaints,” he said.
The Chief Minister said he has maintained a consistent stand on the issue across all platforms. Click here to watch video
“I do not say one thing here and another elsewhere. I have said the same thing in Delhi, here and in the Assembly-be it in Srinagar or Jammu. I am not among those who resort to deception by playing politics,” he added.
Omar said he would continue to appreciate the Centre where it acts rightly and call out shortcomings when required.
“I say that here and everywhere. I am not among those who play politics to fool the people. I will say it wherever the Centre provides its help, and wherever there are any lacunae, I will raise those as well,” he added.
On the “amended MGNREGA bill”, the Chief Minister said it is detrimental as the Centre has put the burden of the scheme on States.
He took a dig at the Centre over the name of the new bill – Viksit Bharat – Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission (Gramin) (VB-G RAM G) Bill – likening it to a Bollywood movie titled ‘Ji Mummy Ji’.
“Where did this name come from? I am sorry, but they should name a bill only after thinking carefully. It reminds me of an old Bollywood movie ‘Ji Mummy Ji’.
“Perhaps, many would not have watched that movie, but my nephew has. ‘G RAM G’! Is this a name for a bill?” he said.
Omar also said removing the name of the father of the nation, Mahatma Gandhi, from the scheme was wrong.
“First, you removed Mahatma Gandhi’s name, which is wrong. Then, you have put the burden of this scheme on the States. There are many changes in this Bill that will harm States like ours and not benefit us,” he added.
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