Owaisi hits out at Modi govt's 100 day-rule
Hyderabad, Sep 10 : AIMIM president Asaduddin Owaisi on Tuesday slammed the NDA government's performance in 100 days in office in its second term, vis--vis the decline in GDP, 'growing unemployment' and the crisis in the automobile industry.
"In 100 days, no internet in Kashmir for 35 days. No school opens. GDP has become five per cent in 100 days.
Unemployment has gone above six per cent in 100 days.
In 100 days, 10 lakh people in auto industry are going to be jobless. In 100 days, the number of vehicles that are sold, it has fallen by 20 to 30 per cent.
GST collection has fallen in 100 days...which 100 days are you praising?," he told reporters here when asked about the Modi government completing 100 days in office.
Owaisi, a bitter critic of the BJP and NDA government, found fault with the restrictions imposed in Jammu and Kashmir following the abrogation of Article 370.
"How are they dealing Kashmir? By NSA (National Security Adviser) saying that till Pakistan does this, we will not lift the curfew?... Dont fundamental rights apply to Kashmir and we will keep them behind their homes, imprisoned?
Shops are not being opened, schools are not being run properly. Moharrum procession is not allowed. Normal activities are not taking place," Owaisi, a Lok Sabha member from Hyderabad, said.
He said this was why he had he had opposed in Parliament, the abrogation of Article 370
Owaisi said things have come to such a stage that a daughter of a former chief minister had to move the Supreme Court to meet her mother.
"This speaks volumes of what this government is doing in Kashmir," he said.
Asked about a former (Sikh) MLA in Pakistan reportedly seeking asylum in India, he said the Centre should take a decision on the matter.
"The asylum law presently says that on the basis of religious persecution, asylum can be given.
But here is a very peculiar case that this gentleman, he is an elected member of the Pakistan state assembly. He belongs to the ruling party of Pakistan. So how can he claim persecution?, he said.
He demanded that the Modi government sign the refugee convention act of 1951.
"India is not a signatory. Please sign it, he said.
On Pakistan reportedly submitting a dossier to UNHRC, quoting the statements of certain opposition leaders in India, Owaisi claimed he has informatin of a reference to Haryana Chief Minister and also a BJP MLA.
"Why dont you ask BJP about that? he asked.
Owaisi asserted that Kashmir is an integral part of India and that it would remain so.
Referring to the alleged mob lynching of Tabrez Ansari in Jharkhand, Owaisi sought to know why Prime Minister Narendra Modi was not taking steps to enact a law against mob lynching if he was so pained by such incidents.
Owaisi said the AIMIMs Maharashtra unit would decide how many seats the party would contest in the coming assembly polls in that state.
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Nitish announces Rajya Sabha foray, ending tenure as Bihar's longest-serving CM
Patna (PTI): JD(U) chief Nitish Kumar on Thursday announced that he will be contesting the Rajya Sabha polls, bringing the curtain down on his tenure as the longest-serving CM of Bihar.
Kumar, who has been the CM since 2005, said the new government that will be formed in the state will have his full cooperation and guidance.
"For more than two decades, you have consistently placed your trust and support in me, and it is on the strength of that trust that we have served Bihar and all of you with complete dedication. It was the power of your trust and support that has enabled Bihar today to present a new dimension of development and dignity," he said, expressing gratitude to the people of the state.
ALSO READ: Nitish likely to file nominations for Rajya Sabha polls
Kumar said that from the very beginning of his parliamentary journey, he wanted to become a member of both Houses of the Bihar legislature as well as both Houses of Parliament.
"In keeping with this aspiration, I seek to become a member of the Rajya Sabha in the elections being held this time," he said.
"I want to assure you with complete honesty that my relationship with you will continue in the future as well, and my resolve to work together with you to build a developed Bihar will remain steadfast. The new government that will be formed will have my full cooperation and guidance," he added.
With Kumar stepping down after leading the ruling NDA to a landslide victory in the 2025 assembly elections, a BJP leader is expected to take over the top post.
If that happens, Bihar will get its first BJP chief minister -- the only Hindi heartland state where the party has not held the office so far.
Five Rajya Sabha seats from Bihar will go to the polls on March 16, and Thursday is the last day for filing nominations.
Kumar's election to the Upper House of Parliament is all but certain, as per the tally in the state legislature.
