Jaitley targets Congress over Kumaraswamy breaking down
New Delhi, July 16 : Union Finance Minister Arun Jaitley on Monday targeted the Congress over Karnataka Chief Minister H. D. Kumaraswamy breaking down at a public event, saying the party believed that "only members of one family can rule India" and that others should be pushed to weeping publicly.
Jaitley's remark came in a facebook post: "Is the Karnataka a preview of what the Congress and the Federal Front promise for the future?" Jaitley said the country is keenly watching Karnataka where the Congress and the Janata Dal-Secular joined hands post-elections to form a government in May.
"It is a repeat of what the Congress did to Chaudhary Charan Singh, Chandra Shekhar, H.D. Deve Gowda and I.K. Gujral. It is the obvious consequence of a non-ideological opportunistic alliance (working) with no positive agenda. The basis of the negative agenda is 'keep Modi out'," Jaitley said.
He said people had, in the last few days, seen Kumaraswamy pouring out his emotions with tears, declining to accept bouquets and garlands.
Kumaraswamy broke down at a public event on Saturday stating that he was "not happy" holding the top post and that he was swallowing the pain like 'Vishakantha' (Lord Shiva), who drank poison.
Jailtley said non-ideological opportunistic coalitions always get trapped within their own contradictions and their only objective remains survival and not service of the nation.
"Their longevity is suspect. If a Prime Minister of such a coalition has to weep before cameras with a wish to exit from office, it will be a scenario worse than the policy paralysis of UPA II. The Congress firmly believes that only members of one family can rule India. If anybody else gets a chance, he should be pushed to the desperation of throwing his hands up and weeping publicly," he said.
Jaitley said Prime Minister Narendra Modi has clearly demonstrated the advantages of a decisive leadership.
"India's Prime Minister and his government have to overcome the challenges that India faces today. He cannot be seen like the Chief Minister of Karnataka as a tragedy king. If such a coalition is a cup of poison, why even dream of inflicting it on the nation?" he said.
Jaitley cited parts of Kumarswamy's speech and said it reminded him of tragedy-era Hindi films.
He said India needs a sustained high-trajectory growth, cohesive government and a decisive political leadership to face global challenges, including terrorism.
The minister said the country needs a government which is able to resist unfair pressures of allies and regions.
"If fighting terror has to be compromised because of vote-bank pressures of allies, then such a government would be a liability. Can a leadership unsure of itself meet the challenge of eliminating poverty and transforming the world's fastest growing economy into a developed nation?" he asked.
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EY employee's death: Maharashtra labour dept official inspects at firm's Pune office
Pune(PTI): A Maharashtra labour department official on Monday inspected the office of Ernst & Young (EY) here on the directions of the Central government over the death of a woman chartered accountant.
Anna Sebastian Perayil (26) allegedly died due to work stress four months into joining the firm in Pune. Following her death, Sebastian's mother wrote to EY India chairman Rajiv Memani alleging that the workload and extended working hours took a toll on her daughter. The firm, however, denied the allegations.
The Keralite, who passed her CA exams in 2023, died in July.
Additional labour commissioner Shailendra Pol said, "As per the directions from the Central government, an inspection was conducted today to assess the working conditions and factual situation at the EY Pune office."
A government labour officer visited the office for the inspection, he said.
"We requested details about the company's policies regarding office operations, employee welfare, and handling of extra working hours, including compensation to employees. The company has to furnish this information within seven days," Pol said.
"We reviewed the victim's appointment letter, including its terms and conditions. From the appointment letter, it was determined that she (her job profile) does not fall under the legal definition of 'labour'," he said.
However, since Sebastian was an employee, the matter must be addressed from the perspective of employee welfare and well-being, the official said.
"Once the firm furnishes the details requested, a report will be sent to the Central authorities, who will then determine the next course of action," he said.
Union Minister for Labour Mansukh Mandaviya had recently said that the matter is being probed.
