Migrant workers from Uttar Pradesh and Bihar, who had returned to their native places following panic in the state, should return to Gujarat and the state government should make all efforts to ensure their safety, former Union Minister Yashwant Sinha said in the city on Tuesday. He made a public appeal for restoration of peace and normalcy.
Sinha was in Ahmedabad to participate in a public lecture organised by 'Rashtriya Manch' on burning issues in the country. Talking to the media ahead of the lecture, he criticised the rape of a 14-month-old girl by a migrant worker in Sabarkantha district, but said that entire community should not be painted with the same brush.
"Migrant workers have made significant contribution in the development of Gujarat. They cannot be held collectively responsible for a crime by an individual. I appeal to all to restore peace and harmony as soon as possible," said Sinha. The former minister also said that it is acceptable if a section of migrant workers leave for their hometowns on account of the upcoming festive seasons of Diwali and Chhat Puja, but those who have left because of panic should be assured of safety so that they can return.
Ghanshyam Tiwari, spokesman of Samajwadi Party said since the new government has formed at the Centre in 2014, there is a pattern of targeting and attacking on selective basis through propaganda. "It is the duty of the state government ensure safety of all the citizens. But propaganda is being used as a tool. Today it is one issue, tomorrow it will be other," said Tiwari. Blaming BJP for drawing the country towards propaganda oriented mob behavior, he said that earlier they were making one community fight with the other, now they are making brother (from one state) fight with brother (from other states).
On asked on the future of Mahagathabandhan, Tiwari said that it will pose a major challenge to BJP in general elections of 2019 and BJP will have to pack up from UP and Bihar. He also said that instead of trivial issues, the elections should be held on the basis of issues at the grass root.