PM's Independence Day speech uninspiring: BJP

[1]

Describing Prime Minister Manmohan Singh’s Independence Day speech as “uninspiring” and “disappointing,” the main Opposition BJP on Wednesday said the PM failed to address issues which are affecting the nation.

The party also questioned PM over his silence on the Mumbai violence and asked him to clarify his government’s policy on Bangladeshi infiltrators.

While urging the PM to ensure rehabilitation of those displaced during the Assam violence, BJP leader L.K. Advani hoped that those effected by the violence in the state do not meet the same fate as Kashmiri pandits who could not go back.

“In Kokrajhar of Assam, people who were forced to leave their homes after their houses were burnt down are today fearing if their position will also be the same (as those to Kashmiri pandits). Today they are living in camps and wondering whether they will ever be able to go back or not,” said Mr Advani after hoisting the national flag at his residence.

He insisted that the violent attacks on tribals in Assam should be seen as an attack against all ndians. He also condemned the violence against Northeast people in other parts of the country in the wake of ethnic violence in Assam. He said such attacks were against the nation and not just against the people from the Northeast.

Reacting on PM’s speech, BJP chief Nitin Gadkari said, “The dream of touching 12 per cent growth rate seems to be impossible and it looks that it will be less than five per cent which is a cause of concern. Today we should put aside other things and think for the country and work for rebuilding of the nation.”

The party maintained that PM’s speech was 'completely listless' and failed to instil any new confidence in the nation. Terming PM’s speech as 'disappointing', Gujarat chief minister Narendra Modi accused Dr Singh of adopting 'dual standards' with regard to incidents in Assam and Mumbai.

“The infiltration of Bangladeshis into India is becoming an issue of concern. Assam (violence) is just a small example of it becoming a major problem for the nation,” Mr Modi said during his Independence Day speech in Junagarh. He questioned the PM on 'remaining silent' on Mumbai violence while “expressing remorse” on Assam violence.

Mr Modi also said that he was surprised to hear the PM talk about difficulties to control inflation or cite coalition compulsions. BJP spokesperson Prakash Javedkar said, “PM's speech was completely listless and a speech which was not instilling any new confidence in the nation.”