Haryana: BJP’s virtual rally on August 14, Congress says bad timing

CHANDIGARH: Haryana BJP has planned its first virtual rally of the state on August 14 and it is going to be addressed by Union minister Narinder Tomar, BJP general secretary Anil Jain, chief minister Manohar Lal Khattar and state unit president Subhash Barala.
The rally is being called to highlight a year of the second term of Union government headed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. However, the Congress has criticised the move, saying the CM should concentrate on the task at hand, instead of working for political gains.
The rally will be broadcast from Panchkula, where arrangements have been made for transmission, recording and other arrangements, BJP spokesperson Ranbir Ghanghas said. “The outbreak of Covid-19 has forced people to remain home and also affected working of political parties. Keeping in view the safety of the masses, we have planned this rally,” Barala said.
Districts where workers will be joining the rally include Karnal, Panipat, Yamunanangar, Kaithal, Panchkula, Ambala, Kurukshetra, Sirsa, Hisar, Jind and Fatehabad.
Haryana Congress chief Selja Kumari said central and state governments should be making arrangements to deal with situation arising out of Covid-19 pandemic, but BJP leaders and CM were busy working for political gains. “The amount earmarked and efforts made for organising the rally should go toward the welfare of patients and affected working classes and farmers. But, unfortunately, they have other plans,’’ said Selja.
NSUI Haryana President Divyanshu Budhiraja too advised the BJP and its leaders to work for people, not the party. “Today, everybody is observing and trying to understand contributions of those who have worked for people. This is no time to do politics. Make your anniversary more memorable with public-oriented works than wasteful expenditure on such rallies,’’ he said.