Accusing the government of making “mockery of nationalism,” the Opposition on Thursday raised concern in the Rajya Sabha over the flare-up of events related to JNU while basic issues like poverty, une
Accusing the government of making “mockery of nationalism,” the Opposition on Thursday raised concern in the Rajya Sabha over the flare-up of events related to JNU while basic issues like poverty, unemployment and growth took a backseat. Taking a jibe at the ruling party, the JD(U)’s Sharad Yadav said that such was the atmosphere of fear that mere mention of god, goddesses or their carriers like rat or owl could arouse the emotions of the ruling BJP.
Participating in a discussion on motion of thanks to the President’s address in the Upper House, Mr Yadav said archaic laws are being used as weapons against the youth. “Why are you making a mockery of nationalism at the cost of real issues ” he asked the government. He contended that the situation has deteriorated to such an extent that people no longer feel safe in the country and archaic laws were used as weapons against the youth.
He also slammed the government for failing to stop farmers suicides, inflation, dalit atrocities and alleged that the government was indulging in caste politics and demanded a separate debate on caste system. He also rued that there was no mention of corruption in President’s address.
TMC’s Derek O’Brien said he wished that at least diversity, tolerance and communal harmony had been included in President’s speech and alleged that most of the government’s programmes were not implemented wisely and the government was only good in “coining names” for programmes.
Referring to the JNU issue, he said instead of putting the youth behind the bars, the government could have created jobs. He also alleged that politics could not bring Rohith Vemula back. Quoting King George III, he said: “Everyone who does not agree with me is a traitor,” adding that this appears to be true in terms of the present government.
The AIADMK’s Vijila Sathyananth, while praising the President’s address for its strong and forward-looking approach, opposed the government’s proposal to tax 60 per cent of withdrawals from PF.
NCP’s Praful Patel said, “After almost two years, people will like to see the fulfilment of promises.”
Referring to instances such as those of the alleged hate speech in Agra, anti-nationalism row, JNU issue, he said on one hand, the government talks of economic growth and development, while on the other one sees “such” issues almost everyday in newspapers and televisions.
Congress’s Ahmed Patel contended that the situation in the country is “deteriorating” and criticised the government for presenting a “rosy picture” on it. He said the attention of the people is being diverted from important issues by the government.
TMC’s Sukhendhu Sekhar Roy also took on the government over the President’s Address saying it was all “myth and dream”.
