The Bharatiya Janata Party termed ‘Pragati Nivedana Sabha’ as “utter flop” and said people have clearly indicated they are not going to be enticed into participating in it despite abuse of official machinery and spending colossal amount of money.
“This is a victory for democracy and for Telangana people as they have made it clear they are not going to be slaves of TRS party or KCR. Despite the hype and hoopla and warning people about jams, the much touted numbers have not turned up,” observed party chief K. Laxman on Monday.
At a press conference in the party office, Mr. Laxman wanted to know why the Chief Minister wanted to hold such a massive public meeting and for what purpose.
“It has turned out to be an KCR ‘Avedhana Sabha’ (anguish), though he wanted to coronate his anointed successor and call for early polls but could only score a self-goal,” he ridiculed. The BJP leader alleged crores of rupees were spent on the meeting and hoped that Minister K.T. Rama Rao had realised that it is easier to tweet than to gather public support.
“The arrogance of being in power is apparent and KCR is bound to loose if he goes for early polls,” Mr. Laxman felt.
Mr. Rao’s speech showed neither any “report or progress” and demanded why he did not utter a word on jobs for unemployed, two-bedroom housing, quota for STs, land for dalits, contract employees woes and so on. He also took objection to comments made on Prime Minister Modi. Mr. Laxman wondered why double standards are being practised by the government departments in allowing TRS to indiscriminately paint the city and outskirts pink with festoons, flags and flexis, allow buses, including private vehicles -- be commandeered, inconveniencing people. But, the same luxury is not given to Opposition as they are not even allowed to have protest meetings unless courts intervene.
With regard to national president Amit Shah’s recent stopover at the airport, he said the party State leaders and cadre were told that the party will go it alone and will fight in all constituencies.
“We have a clear cut strategy on how to go about in the elections whether early or not. Mr. Shah has assured that he will personally be around to marshal the campaigning,” he added.