Row after BJP leader’s ‘like’ to anti-GST tweet

NEW DELHI: While Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the BJP leadership list demonetisation and GST as major achievements of the NDA government, senior party leader and mayor of South Delhi, Narender Chawla takes a different stand. Mr Chawla liked a tweet which criticised both the key initiatives as reason behind the suffering of citizens.

On February 12 late evening, URJA, apex body of resident welfare associations (RWA) in the national capital, tweeted supporting parking charges in residential areas and criticised Delhi transport minister for not supporting it.

On February 13, URJA once again tweeted, “Why are all Hon’ble Councilors silent over this? Who is affording the generosity of 2/3 MCDs which claim perennial shortage of funds? Why throw away a revenue source? On whose charity is free parking being offered?”.

Later in the evening, one Chander Sabherwal tweeted: “What is the interest of URJA if extra cost of parking on internal roads of residential areas is imposed on residents? Already citizens are reeling under effects of GST and demonetisation, small and medium size industries are in ruin and cost of living is increasing. MCD is right”. Mr Sabherwal, in his tweet, tagged mayors of all the three municipal corporations of the city. But Mr Chawla agreeing with Mr Sabherwal’s comment is embarrassing.

A senior party functionary told this newspaper that Mr Chawla’ act embarrassed party and an explanation will be sought from him. “Few months before the Lok Sabha polls, in which both GST and demonetisation will be an issue, Mr Chawla should have controlled his emotions. He will be asked to explain the reason behind doing this,” he added.

Hours later, Mr Chawla corrected his mistake by undoing the ‘like’. When asked about the reason for liking the tweet, Mr Chawla denied doing so and said that he had not liked the tweet. However, a screenshot shows he liked the tweet.