Tribal areas should get first right to natural resources: BJP

The BJP today said tribal areas in Central India and the North East region should get the first right to the natural resources of the country.
"There are two regions in India that deserve the first primary right to get natural resources of India -- first is the tribal areas in Central India and second is the North East," BJP leader Arun Jaitley said at a seminar here.
Both the regions have so far been neglected since Independence of the country, he added.
He said North East is further affected by illegal migration from Bangladesh that is posing a serious threat to the demography of the region.

The region's development is very low compared to other places of the country, Jaitley said.
"The North East's infrastructure is poor. India has one of the best railways in the world, but not in North East. India has one of the best national highways, but not in North East," he added.

Besides, "politics of vested interests" have also made the things worse in this region, he said.
Talking about the national socio-economic, political scenario, Jaitley said, "India is passing through a phase of cynicism and anger. I do hope that something positive comes out of this soon."
With stagnation and high inflation, the country's economy has taken a hit from many sides, he added.

"The security scenario of the nation is getting precarious. It has become very challenging... Credibility and determination of public life is affected," Jaitley said referring to the latest terrorist attack in Jammu & Kashmir.
"I do hope that in this time of negativity and gloom, some positive rays come out," he added.