Adityanath attacks Priyanka Gandhi as she avoids visiting disputed Ayodhya site
Noida: Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Adityanath Sunday hit out at Congress general secretary Priyanka Gandhi Vadra after she avoided visiting the makeshift Ram Lalla shrine during her Ayodhya trip recently, terming it an "insult" for Hindus and asking the party to clarify its stand.
Addressing an election rally here in support of BJP candidate and Union minister Mahesh Sharma, Adityanath said the country and the world see Ayodhya as Ram Janmbhoomi and there is no dispute on it after the 2010 Allahabad High Court judgement on it.
"When she was asked as to why she did not visit the Ram Janmnbhoomi, she said it was a disputed site hence she did not go there," he claimed.
"Vadra's remark on the Ayodhya site is an insult to any Hindu living in any part of the world," the monk-turned-politician declared to the gathering. "Brothers and sisters, there can be no bigger insult for us."
"Last time they (Congress) had won 44 seats, this time they will get only four seats and get finished."
Priyanka Gandhi visited Ayodhya on March 29 and offered prayers at the popular Hanuman Garhi temple there but kept away from the Ram Lalla shrine.
Adityanath said, "I want to ask you (Priyanka Gandhi) that you did not go to the site thinking that people from a particular community would get angry? You went to Ram bhakt Hanuman's temple. You made a controversial statement about the Ram Janmbhoomi."
The chief minister also referred to UPA chairperson Sonia Gandhi, Congress president Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi's husband Robert Vadra, saying they are "out on bail".
"You must clarify this. You make controversial statements when you have three people in your home who are out on bail. Why making such unnecessary controversial statements? Congress must clarify its stance," he said.
He alleged that the Congress was behind the delay in the verdict on the Ayodhya dispute, saying a battery of lawyers belonging to the party argue for deferring the matter every time the Supreme Court takes it up.
"The Congress, SP and the BSP, they all are the biggest hurdles in getting this matter resolved. We don't consider it a disputed site. These people deliberately play with your sentiments," he told the gathering.
Adityanath also accused the Congress and its allies of coining the phrase "Hindu terrorism" in the wake of the 2007 Samjhauta Express blast that had killed 68, mostly Muslims, and said Hindus have been known for peace but the party had "linked them to terror".
He also alleged that the previous Congress-led government at the Centre wanted the Ram Setu also destroyed.
"In 2019, we have to decide the roadmap ahead. Should those encouraging and revering terror be elected or (Prime Minister Narendra) Modi, who has worked for security, prosperity and happiness, be reelected?" he asked.
He described the Congress as a "burden" on the country.
"Sometimes I think Rahul Gandhi ji has risen to fulfil Mahatma Gandhi's dream. Gandhiji had said the Congress should be dissolved after independence, but its leaders of the day did not listen to him. Now it appears that Rahulji has come to fulfil that dream of Gandhi ji.
Similar is the situation for the SP-BSP in the state, Adityanath said, adding the "alliance of corruption" has failed completely.
"They are scared even to step out for campaigning. What are the issues they want to take to the people? What achievements they have to show to the people, especially in western UP?" he added.
He said BSP chief Mayawati and SP president Akhilesh Yadav had considered Noida and Greater Noida a "jinx" and avoided visiting there as chief ministers ignoring the development of the region.
"I have broken that myth. The BJP breaks all myths," he said, citing his multiple visits to the region for several development projects.
The UP chief minister also trained guns at his Delhi counterpart Arvind Kejriwal, claiming he was the "biggest hurdle" in development of the national capital.
Referring to Uttar Pradesh bagging the project to build an international airport at Jewar here, Adityanath said Punjab, Haryana and Delhi were also interested in getting it. He credited Sharma for it.
"I think it is also about how good your elected representatives are... Delhi CM himself is the biggest obstacle in Delhi's development. He has become a problem unto himself... Whenever the central government plans a development project for Delhi, he goes on a dharna," Adityanath said.
Gautam Buddh Nagar goes to polls on April 11 during the first leg of the seven-phased elections.
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Inappropriate for MLAs seeking free IPL tickets, says D.K. Suresh
Bengaluru: Bengaluru Milk Union Ltd President D.K. Suresh on Monday said it is inappropriate for MLAs to seek free IPL tickets, adding that those interested in watching matches should pay for them personally.
Speaking to reporters near his residence in Sadashivanagar, he said, “IPL is a commercial tournament and does not represent the country. It is not right for public representatives to focus too much on such matters.”
Referring to the recent controversy during the RCB celebrations, he said, “let us find out who benefited the most from the statements made during the incident.” He also pointed out that BJP MLAs had received IPL tickets as well.
Responding to discussions about relocating the Chinnaswamy Stadium, Suresh said the government has already approved the construction of a new stadium at a location he had proposed.
“I had suggested building a stadium in Surya City and submitted a proposal for it. Bengaluru needs four stadiums in four directions to cater to its growing population and encourage youth participation in sports,” he said.
He noted that apart from Kanteerava Stadium, KSCA, and the Football Stadium, there are limited facilities in the city.
“When I was a Lok Sabha member, I had proposed allocating 100 acres in my constituency at Surya City. The land was later earmarked and the plan approved,” he added.
Suresh said he has discussed the project with Minister Zameer Ahmed Khan, Rajiv Gandhi Housing Corporation Chairman Shivalingegowda, and Anekal MLA Shivanna.
“The Cabinet has now approved the project, and a stadium will be developed on around 50–60 acres,” he said.
He further added that he has requested the Deputy Chief Minister to build another stadium at Shivarama Karanth Layout through the BDA, where 40 acres have been allocated. Plans are also being discussed to develop a well-equipped stadium in Bidadi.
Commending state government's recent bilingual policy move, Suresh said forcing children to learn three languages could affect their comprehension.
“It is a good decision to make two languages compulsory. Learning a third language should be left to the choice of students and parents,” he said.
Responding to criticism from BJP leaders, he said their tendency is to oppose every decision of the government.
“To please their central leadership, they take a pro-Hindi stance. Instead, they should advocate for the adoption of Kannada in all states,” he said.
When asked about the earlier three-language policy under Congress, he said, “the situation is different now. Today, the focus should be on quality learning. Kannada should remain the primary language, while students and parents can choose an additional language.”
