Kejriwal misses date with Modi
Modi refused to meet Kejriwal who posed over a dozen questions with regard to claims of development in Gujarat
)
Explore Business Standard
Modi refused to meet Kejriwal who posed over a dozen questions with regard to claims of development in Gujarat
)
Contrary to police claims, Kejriwal was restrained about 10 km ahead of Modi's residence and his car was cordoned by police officials. They even had an anti-rioting van and a water-cannon van on standby in anticipation of any untoward incident. The vans had arrived at the locations around 10.30 am, well before Kejriwal announced in Ahmedabad that he was going to meet Modi.
Earlier in the day, Kejriwal listed 16 questions on the development claims made in Gujarat, to discuss with Modi. Addressing media persons the AAP leader said: "Modi gives data and talks about Gujarat development. When we analysed, we found that most of the claims were nothing but white lies."
Kejriwal also raked up the gas-pricing issue. "Modi should make his point clear on the issue of gas pricing," he said, adding: "The Gujarat government has demanded that gas pricing should be $16 (per million British thermal unit or mBtu). Earlier, UPA (United Progressive Alliance) government had given a go-ahead to raise the price of gas from $4 to $8 (per mBtu)."
The AAP leader took on the Modi government over the issue of closing down of small and medium enterprises (SMEs), corruption, unemployment, poor educational and health infrastructure and farmer suicides.
Kejriwal also questioned Modi over appointing tainted ministers in his cabinet. "You have convicted persons in you cabinet such as Babu Bokhiriya who has been convicted for three years by the court and is out on bail now. Purshottam Solanki, who is accused in a Rs 450-crore scam is also part of you cabinet. Can't you find honest persons among six crore (60 million) Gujaratis for you council of ministers?" Kejriwal asked.
He also accused Modi of favouring Ambanis and Adanis. "You have appointed the son-in-law of Mukesh Ambani family, Saurabh Patel, as minister for energy, petroleum and petrochemicals. In a way, you have handed over the control of Gujarat's natural resources to Ambani family, Why did you do this?" he questioned.
First Published: Mar 08 2014 | 12:11 AM IST