Only one community responsible for illegal constructions and encroachments in Gujarat: Minister
Gandhinagar, Feb 25 (PTI): Gujarat minister Jagdish Vishwakarma on Tuesday said a particular community is only responsible for illegal constructions and encroachments in the state, a remark contested by lone Muslim MLA of Congress Imran Khedawala in the legislative assembly.
Without taking names, Vishwakarma also said leaders of a particular community are responsible for such illegal encroachments, and by doing so, they are putting Gujarat and India's pride at stake.
The Minister of State for Cooperation was addressing the House on the motion of thanks to Governor Acharya Devvrat.
The governor addressed the House on the first day of the Budget session on February 19.
Vishwakarma made these remarks while responding to Congress Legislative Party (CLP) leader Amit Chavda's comments criticising the BJP government for "bulldozer action".
Chavda said many legally-constructed houses and colonies were razed by the government in the recent past.
"Legally built houses were demolished in Odhav, Juhapura, Keshavpura in Ahmedabad, and Anand, Dwarka and Ambaji. Poor people suffered due to this bulldozer action. Instead of fulfilling your promise of giving houses, you are demolishing poor people's houses," said Chavda.
Why does this bulldozer not demolish illegal constructions of large corporates or wealthy middlemen working for the BJP, he asked.
Vishwakarma hit back, saying Congress leaders keep mum when the houses of Hindus are demolished.
"I want to respond to those complaining about demolitions in Gujarat. I want to ask who stays (illegally) near Chandola Lake in Ahmedabad. Be it Chandola Lake, or Dwarka or Somnath, you will find people from only one particular community who have done illegal encroachment in those areas," the minister said.
He was referring to the detention of 52 illegal Bangladeshi immigrants from the areas surrounding Chandola Lake last year and subsequent deportation of 16 of them.
"Leaders of a particular community are responsible for such illegal encroachments and by doing so, they are putting Gujarat and India's pride at stake," the minister said, invoking a strong rebuttal from Congress MLA Imran Khedawala.
"These comments are an insult to my community," the MLA from Jamalpur-Khadia seat in Ahmedabad said.
The minister replied saying he didn't take any name in his remarks.
"I have not named anyone. I want to ask Congress....Why are people from only one community responsible for most illegal constructions and encroachments in Gujarat? The government and the people of Gujarat won't tolerate this," said Vishwakarma.
The minister further said a senior RTI activist "who keeps several lawyers" gives funds to Congress.
"They (Congress) will not interfere if a Hindu's house is demolished," he added without elaborating.
Senior BJP MLA and ex-Speaker Ramanlal Vora said the education system created by Lord Macaulay under British rule adversely impacted education in the country.
"Everyone knows the grandfather of Akbar or any other Mughal emperor. But, children do not know who was the grandfather of Mahatma Gandhi or Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, because it was never taught in schools. That is because of the Macaulay education system," said Vora.
He added that Prime Minister Narendra Modi introduced a new National Education Policy to remove this Macaulay education system.
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Hundreds of TVK supporters return disappointed from cancelled swearing in ceremony venue
Chennai (PTI): Hundreds of TVK supporters, fuelled by the hope of seeing their leader Vijay as chief minister, gathered at Nehru Indoor Stadium in the city on Thursday, only to be met with locked gates and a lack of information regarding the scheduled proceedings.
Many supporters, travelling from various parts of the state, near and far, like Arumbakkam and Coimbatore, expressed deep disappointment and confusion upon finding the premises closed and without official communication.
Speaking to PTI Videos, fans and party loyalists described a sense of heartbreak after arriving early to secure a place in line.
Charulatha, a supporter, noted the emotional toll of the situation: "We came with so much joy thinking he would become the chief minister today, but there is nothing here. The gates are closed. It is very painful."
Sai Deepika, her daughter and a student set to enter the 12th grade, shared her excitement for the event: "I was very excited to be here. I have been telling everyone he will win and do good things for the people."
A visibly distressed Gunasundari, a long-time political observer from a family of AIADMK supporters, stated she shifted her loyalty to Vijay: "I publicly say I voted for Vijay. I have a belief that he will help those in need. Seeing the gates closed like this is a shock."
Despite the confusion on the ground, the gathered crowd remained steadfast in their political choice. Several supporters highlighted Vijay’s decision to fund party activities independently as a key reason for their trust.
"He didn't take a single rupee from the people for his flag or the stage. He did it all himself," said an emotional Gunasundari. "Even if they try to shame him or create obstacles, he is the one who will eventually win."
Many attendees cited news reports and social media claims as their reason for arriving early on Thursday morning. Some supporters mentioned they had travelled via public transport and waited for hours under the impression that an official declaration or event was imminent.
"My son told me that declarations were made yesterday and everyone was coming today," Gunasundari added. "I didn't even tell him I was leaving; I just started my journey to see him in person for the first time".
