Congress questions PM Modi's 'silence' on terror attacks in J-K
New Delhi (PTI): The Congress on Wednesday said the BJP's chest-thumping and "hollow" claims of return of peace and normalcy in Jammu and Kashmir have been thoroughly exposed by the three terror attacks in the region in the past three days.
Congress leader and in-charge of media and publicity department Pawan Khera also questioned the silence of Prime Minister Narendra Modi on the matter, claiming he has time to respond to Pakistani leaders, but no time to condemn the brutal terror attacks.
"BJP's loudmouth chest-thumping and hollow claims of return of peace and normalcy in Jammu and Kashmir have been thoroughly exposed. The fact that BJP did not even bother to fight elections in Kashmir valley is a testament to the fact that their 'Naya Kashmir' policy is an abject failure," Khera said in a statement.
His remarks come amid a rise in terror incidents in the twin border districts of Rajouri and Poonch.
Khera claimed that in the past 10 years, "loud chest-thumping" by the Modi government has made national security a "casualty." While innocents suffer the consequences of cowardly terror attacks, business as usual continues, he said.
"Even as Shri Narendra Modi and his NDA Government was swearing in, and heads of states were visiting the country, India suffered a horrific and gruesome terror attack in Reasi district of Jammu and Kashmir, where 9 precious lives were lost and at least 33 people were injured, when terrorist fired upon a bus filled with pilgrims from Shiv Khori Temple to Katra," he said.
"Not even innocent children were spared. Did the victims not deserve a word of sympathy from the self-proclaimed 'divine' prime minister," he asked.
Following that, the Congress leader said, another terror attack took place in Kathua, where one civilian was injured.
On June 11, he said, six security personnel and a civilian were injured in an encounter with terrorists at Chhatrakala, Doda, Jammu.
According to officials, terrorists opened fire on a joint checkpoint manned by the 4 Rashtriya Rifles and police in Chattergalla area along Bhadarwah-Pathankot.
"A spate of terror attacks has gripped Jammu and Kashmir in the past three days, whilst PM Modi is busy posting responses to congratulatory tweets by Pakistani leaders Nawaz Sharif and Pak PM PM Shahbaz Sharif.
"Why has he not spoken a single word on the dastardly terror attacks? Why has he maintained a stoic silence," Khera asked.
"Is it not a fact that Pir Panjal Range Rajouri and Poonch has now become a hotbed of cross-border terrorism in the past 2 years, as over 35 soldiers have been martyred, following terror attacks in these areas in the past two years, alone? And now terror has also spread to neighbouring Reasi district, which was considered relatively peaceful," he said.
The Congress leader noted that at least 19 major terror attacks have taken place on security installations under the Modi government, including on CRPF camps, army camps, Air Force station and military stations in Pulwama, Pampore, Uri, Pathankot, Gurdaspur, Amarnath Yatra attack, Sunjwan Army camp, Poonch terror attacks where scores of precious lives have been lost.
"Is it not true that Modi Government invited the rogue ISI to investigate the Pathankot attack in 2016," he asked.
Is it not true that Modi government endangered national security even as 2,262 terror attacks took place in J-K, in which 363 civilians died and 596 jawans were martyred, Khera added.
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Controversy surrounding book on Shivaji Maharaj 'unwarranted', says Fadnavis
Solapur (PTI): Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Tuesday termed as "unwarranted" the controversy over a book on Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, in which Shiv Sena MLA Sanjay Gaikwad allegedly made objectionable remarks against its publisher.
An audio clip surfaced last week on social media, in which Gaikwad was heard using offensive language and threatening Kolhapur-based publisher Prashant Ambi. The MLA referred to the book titled 'Shivaji Kon Hota' (Who was Shivaji), written by CPI leader Govind Pansare and originally published in 1988.
Talking to reporters here, CM Fadnavis, "The book was published in the 1980s. Have those who have raked up a controversy read the book? The stature of the warrior king is so big that no one can insult him. Whatever is happening is anti-social and insensitive."
The controversy over the book is unwarranted, he said, and cautioned against attempts to sensationalise issues merely to remain in the news.
When asked about the BJP's candidates for the upcoming legislative council polls, Fadnavis said appointments and candidate selections are decided by the party's parliamentary board, and not by him individually.
"All decisions will be taken as per the party process," he said, adding that discussions are ongoing and outcomes will be known after due deliberations.
Nine council members, including former chief minister Uddhav Thackeray, are retiring on May 13. As per the schedule announced by the Election Commission of India, polling will be held on May 12. The counting of votes will take place on the same day at 5 pm, and the entire process is expected to be completed by May 13.
The BJP has decided to contest four of the nine seats in the biennial elections.
On the sugar sector, he said the state has consistently achieved over 99 per cent of the Fair and Remunerative Price (FRP) payments to farmers, though there may be minor fluctuations due to market conditions affecting sugar mills.
He added that the government has extended support to the sector and held meetings to address issues faced by factories. A committee has been formed to review post-season challenges and suggest policy measures, including possible assistance from the Centre.
