More demonetisation-like fatwas will bring Cong in power:

Image
Press Trust of India New Delhi
Last Updated : Dec 06 2016 | 5:42 PM IST
Hitting out at Prime Minister Narendra Modi over demonetisation, Uttarakhand Chief Minister Harish Rawat today said two to three more such "fatwas" will see Congress back in power at the Centre in 2019 Lok Sabha polls under the "capable" leadership of Rahul Gandhi.
Raising questions over the Union government's commitment towards "co-operative federalism" at 'Agenda Aaj Tak' summit organised by the news channel here, Rawat accused the Prime Minister of "not trying to understand the pain" of non-BJP states, which he claimed, are struggling to get Central funds.
"Barring a few exceptions, every person is feeling the pinch of demonetisation. The move has blighted the economy and lives of common people.
"...If the whole and sole of the country (the Prime Minister) takes two to three more such decisions, issues such fatwas (edicts), people will find Rahul Gandhi quite attractive and... Bring Congress in power in 2019," he said.
The Chief Minister said Rahul Gandhi is a "capable" leader who accepts challenges and the party had put on a good show in Bihar assembly elections under "hostile conditions" last year.
Congress, which fought the polls as part of the Grand Alliance, had won 27 of the 40 assembly segments it contested. The JD(U) and RJD are the other constituents of the winning alliance.
"In Uttar Pradesh too, he (Rahul Gandhi) has taken up the responsibility. His courage must be appreciated, that he accepted the challenges. He made major contribution when UPA came to power again in 2009.
"(Electoral) defeat at one or two places should not mean his leadership capabilities can be questioned," Rawat said.
Raising concern over the Centre's "co-operative federalism" talk, he alleged the slogan cannot be seen being implemented in "letter and spirit" by the NDA government as non-BJP states are struggling to receive central funds.
Referring to Modi's comment last year that "the Prime Minister and Chief Ministers make Team India", the Congress leader said, "I want to ask him, if not the captain of Team India, who will feel pain of states? At this moment, the pain of non-BJP states is not being understood. There is no sympathy for such states."
He also wondered what role NITI Aayog, which replaced the Planning Commission, is playing under the Modi dispensation.
Nearly two dozen Union Ministers are currently visiting poll-bound Uttarakhand but have no development agenda for the people of the state, Rawat claimed.
"...The central ministers come to Uttarakhand and 'praise' me. But they are not talking about what they will do for Uttarakhand," he claimed.

Disclaimer: No Business Standard Journalist was involved in creation of this content

*Subscribe to Business Standard digital and get complimentary access to The New York Times

Smart Quarterly

₹900

3 Months

₹300/Month

SAVE 25%

Smart Essential

₹2,700

1 Year

₹225/Month

SAVE 46%
*Complimentary New York Times access for the 2nd year will be given after 12 months

Super Saver

₹3,900

2 Years

₹162/Month

Subscribe

Renews automatically, cancel anytime

Here’s what’s included in our digital subscription plans

Exclusive premium stories online

  • Over 30 premium stories daily, handpicked by our editors

Complimentary Access to The New York Times

  • News, Games, Cooking, Audio, Wirecutter & The Athletic

Business Standard Epaper

  • Digital replica of our daily newspaper — with options to read, save, and share

Curated Newsletters

  • Insights on markets, finance, politics, tech, and more delivered to your inbox

Market Analysis & Investment Insights

  • In-depth market analysis & insights with access to The Smart Investor

Archives

  • Repository of articles and publications dating back to 1997

Ad-free Reading

  • Uninterrupted reading experience with no advertisements

Seamless Access Across All Devices

  • Access Business Standard across devices — mobile, tablet, or PC, via web or app

More From This Section

First Published: Dec 06 2016 | 5:42 PM IST

Next Story