BIHAR BATTLE: PM should create ‘insult ministry’, says Priyanka

AICC general secretary Priyanka Gandhi took a jibe at Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday, saying that the PM should create an ‘Apamaan Mantralaya (insult ministry)’.

“The PM often accuses the Opposition and anyone who questions the government on issues like unemployment or the law and order situation of insulting the country. He should create an ‘insult ministry’ to deal with people questioning the government,” said the Congress MP.

“However, the PM should also consider the remarks he has made about my family,” she added, while addressing a public meeting in Bihar.

Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge, who was also in Patna on Monday, echoed Priyanka’s sentiments. “Whenever someone questions the government over its performance, the person is immediately dubbed as an anti-national,” said Kharge at a press briefing.

Targeting the Bihar CM, the Congress chief said Nitish Kumar had no moral right to rule the state as he had failed its people in the last 20 years.

At an event in Samastipur, Priyanka reiterated the Congress’ charge that the Centre was controlling Nitish. “Today, no one respects the Bihar CM because he cannot take any decision on his own.”

The Congress MP said, “The BJP keeps talking about the past, and shifts the blame on the Congress whenever anything goes wrong. Meanwhile, the BJP government is weakening people through the special intensive revision (SIR) of electoral rolls.”

“In Bihar, names of 65 lakh voters were struck off the voters’ list. It means they are no longer Indian citizens,” said Priyanka.

The Congress leader promised to provide employment to the youth if the Mahagathbandhan wins the poll. She also raised suspicions about the distribution of Rs 10,000 to women ahead of the elections. “Take the money, if you must, but think before you vote as their motives seem suspicious,” she asserted.

Lalu holds 1st roadshow, sons campaign against each other

• For the first time since the elections were announced, Lalu Prasad Yadav held a roadshow on Monday to campaign for the Mahagathbandhan candidates.
• He began his roadshow from Danapur, where sitting MLA, who is lodged in jail in connection with a Rs 50 lakh extortion case, has been pitted against former Union Minister Ram Kripal Yadav.
• Expressing confidence over the Mahagathbandhan’s victory, Lalu said, “Tejashwi, who is drawing large crowds in all his rallies, will become the next CM.”
• While PM Modi’s roadshow drew larger crowds, RJD leaders also garnered significant support in areas considered to be the party’s strongholds.
• Meanwhile, Tejashwi’s eldest brother Tej Pratap campaigned against the former in Raghopur on Monday.
• Tej Pratap said the RJD was no longer the party his father had formed. His rally comes a day after Tejashwi campaigned against his brother in the Mahua constituency.