Amethi, April 17: With ATMs suddenly running dry in several states, Congress President Rahul Gandhi on Tuesday slammed Prime Minister Narendra Modi for what he described as destroying India's banking system by ushering in "acchhe din" for fugitive jewellers Nirav Modi and Mehul Choksi.
Gandhi also criticised Modi for his silence on the banking frauds allegedly committed by the diamond merchants who have fled the country.
"Modiji destroyed the banking system. Nirav Modi fled with Rs 30,000 crore and the Prime Minister didn't utter a word," Gandhi said.
"We were forced to stand in queues as he snatched Rs 500-1,000 notes from our pockets and put them in Nirav Modi's pocket." he said.
He was replying to reporters questions about the current cash crunch with ATMs running out of notes across the country.
Gandhi said the Prime Minister was scared of speaking in Parliament during the second half of the just concluded budget session which was completely washed out in protests.
"Had we been allowed to speak in Parliament on Rafale (jets) issue, Nirav Modi matter, the Prime Minister won't be able to stand," he said.
The Congress President said Modi personally knew Nirav Modi and Choksi and called them by first names "Nirav bhai and Mehul bhai".
"The 'acchhe din' he (the Prime Minister) had promised for the nation have ushered only for 15 persons, including Nirav Modi and Mehul Choksi. For the poor of this country, including farmers, labourers and daily-wagers, it is all 'bure din'."
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Indian High Commission hosts Pongal festivities for migrant workers in Singapore
Singapore (PTI): The Indian High Commission in Singapore led nearly 1,500 Indian migrant workers in a day-long celebration of Pongal, a major harvest festival, that also marks the beginning of the Tamil month.
High Commissioner Dr Shilpak Ambule and Tung Yui Fai, Chief of the Assurance, Care and Engagement Group in the Ministry of Manpower, joined the celebrations on Sunday, extending greetings and well wishes to the workers at the festival held in the northern Singapore’s industrial district of Sembawang.
“The evening brought together migrant workers, community partners, and volunteers in a vibrant celebration of culture,” said S. Ganesh, lead organiser of Mett.AI which organises events for migrant workers through social networks.
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“Over 50 talented local artists, performing alongside migrant workers, delivered electrifying performances and colourful cultural showcases that captured the essence and vibrancy of India’s harvest festivals,” he said.
More than 110 dedicated volunteers, mostly Indian professionals working in Singapore, helped transform the event into a memorable experience for the workers from India employed by heavy duty construction and marine industries as well as domestic helpers, said Ganesh.
The Sunday evening programme featured live music, traditional performances, yoga and meditation sessions, and a fashion showcase highlighting India’s rich textile heritage and festive traditions.
The celebration, a second edition by the High Commission, is also part of the Pongal-events hosted by the Singapore Indian Heritage Centre on Saturday.
The Heritage Centre activities included Tanjore art paintings, a classic South Indian art for participants to learn key techniques for designing and creating their own Tanjore painting masterpiece.
Dr Ambule informed the migrant workers about consular outreach activities, especially passport renewal camps and asked them to participate widely at the High Commission. He thanked the Manpower Ministry for their support to the workers community and their collaboration with High Commission for the workers’ welfare.
