Khattar slams Cong’s ‘vote theft’ charge

Union Minister of Housing and Urban Affairs Manohar Lal Khattar has dismissed the Congress’ allegations of “vote theft” as baseless, asserting that the party was now blaming others for the very practices it once engaged in.

“Congress leaders themselves were involved in vote theft,” Khattar said while interacting with mediapersons at Karnal railway station where he launched the Aatmanirbhar Bharat outreach programme.

Khattar interacted with passengers and distributed pamphlets, highlighting government’s initiatives, stressing that public participation was essential for a self-reliant and developed India.

“Whether it is a worker or any citizen, everyone’s contribution is important. Our country is moving forward rapidly. In the field of technology, too, India will soon be among the top three countries,” he said.

Khattar said the ongoing outreach programme aimed to take the message of Aatmanirbhar Bharat to every village and individual.

Responding to the death of two basketball players in the state recently, the Union minister said both were talented sportspersons and the government stands with their families. “An investigation is underway. Whoever is found guilty will face strict action,” he added.

Reacting to comments made by Congress MP Deepender Hooda, Khattar said, “When he has nothing substantial to say, he finds comfort in baseless criticism.”

Later, addressing a district-level event of the International Gita Mahotsav at Dr Mangalsen Auditorium, Khattar emphasised the timeless teachings of the Bhagavad Gita. “One must continue to perform karma without expecting immediate results. The fruits of righteous action are certain,” he said.

He reflected on the importance of studying the Gita, and said even adopting a single line from a shloka could guide a person throughout the life. The minister inaugurated an exhibition of various departments and lit the ceremonial lamp to mark the beginning of the three-day event.

Highlighting the expanding global recognition of the Gita Mahotsav, he said, “Until 2014, Gita Jayanti celebrations were confined to Kurukshetra. Now, the event is celebrated at the regional, national and international levels.” He said on December 7, nearly five lakh children in West Bengal would chant Gita shlokas, with Gita Manishi Swami Gyananand participating in the programme. He also praised hundreds of social organisations in Karnal for their service activities and urged citizens to embrace qualities such as discipline, patience, clarity, courage and selflessness.

Highlighting the importance of the Gita, Swami Gyananand said, “Teachings of the Gita are relevant to all sections of society.”