BJP govt insulted sportspersons, farmers, jawans: Hooda

Press Trust of India  |  Chandigarh 

Former HaryanaChief MinisterBhupinder Singh Hoodatoday accused the Manohar Lal Khattar-led government in the state of "insulting" sportspersons, farmers and soldiers, and claimed that the BJP dispensation had "completely failed" on all fronts.

Hooda, who was granted bail today in a case related to alleged irregularities in Manesar land deals, also took potshots at INLD-BSP tie-up, saying this alliance would break before elections.

"Jawans, sportspersons and farmers are feeling insulted during BJP regime because of its apathetic attitude towards them," he told reporters.

The state's sportspersons, with their hard work, won one third of the total medals that Indiawon in the recently held Commonwealth Games, he said.

"The way they were insulted... it was for the first time I heard that some sportspersons boycotted the state government's function organised to honour them... the State Governmenthas not given job to any sportsperson during its over three-year-old rule," Hoodasaid.

On April 25, the Haryanagovernment cancelled the felicitation function for the state's Commonwealth Gamesmedal winners after being threatened with a boycott by top athletes such as WrestlerVinesh Phogatand Javelinthrower Neeraj Chopraover a proposed cut in prize money.

Hoodalashed out at the sports policy of the state which envisaged reduction in prize money for players who represented bodies such as Railways and the Army

"A sportsperson does not play for a state. He or she plays for the country. If a player's parents belong to Haryana, he should be awarded with full prize money. It is our responsibility to promote sportspersons.

"It is wrong to reduce award money for players belonging to Haryana, if he represents Railways or other bodies. It is a wrong policy. The intention of State Governmentis not good," he said.

On the issue of farmers, Hoodaaccused the State Governmentof not ensuring right prices of mustard crop to growers and causing inconvenience to wheat growers in selling their crop.

"Farmers are also feeling insulted," he said.

The former Chief Ministersaid jawans were still fighting for their One Rank One Pension at New Delhiand accused the BJP government of not fulfilling its promise made to soldiers.

Claiming that the State Governmenthad failed on all fronts, Hoodasaid, "There is no law and order in the state. Unemployment is growing, mining mafia is on the rise, there is problem of drinking water. Every section of society is fed up with the BJP government."

"This is a government of show-off and mislead," he alleged.

On the Manesar land deal case, Hoodasaid he has complete faith in the judiciary.

"It is a politically motivated case... As far as this case is concerned, I will fight in the court and will also fight political battle on road," he said.

Hoodasaid a 'Jan KrantiYatra' would start from Panipat on June 3 and cover other parts of the state.

"We will go to each assembly constituency and raise the voice of the people during this yatra," he said.

On the recent tie-up between INLD and BSP, Hoodasaid it was not the first time that such alliance had taken place.

"This alliance will break before polling," he claimed.

On the HaryanaChief Ministerhaving dinner at the house of a Dalit in Karnal yesterday, Hoodasaid Khattar is holding "road shows".

"First he did in Faridabad, then Karnal. He will then hold such show in Rohtak and then Gurugram. Basically, he is looking for an assembly seat to contest polls," Hoodasaid.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)

First Published: Tue, May 01 2018. 19:00 IST