Beni pulled up over remarks on mulayam
Union minister Beni Prasad Verma, who made his party uncomfortable with his remarks against SP chief Mulayam Singh Yadav, was on Wednesday reprimanded by the Congress leadership after which he not only expressed regret, but also promised not to repeat it again.
Union minister Beni Prasad Verma, who made his party uncomfortable with his remarks against SP chief Mulayam Singh Yadav, was on Wednesday reprimanded by the Congress leadership after which he not only expressed regret, but also promised not to repeat it again.
Talking to reporters AICC general secretary in-charge of UP Madhusudan Mistry said, “Beni Prasad Verma regretted his remarks against Mulayam Singh Yadav and said such things would not be repeated. He was warned and told that this is not the Congress culture and that he should desist from making such statements.” He also maintained that the Congress leadership has taken this issue very seriously.
Mr Mistry had called Mr Verma to his residence in the morning and conveyed to him the party’s displeasure over his remarks. “Now the matter ends here,” he added.
Mr Verma had said the Samajwadi Party supremo has ambitions of becoming the Prime Minister but he should “first try to get the job of a sweeper at the residence of the PM”.
The latest remark come at a time when Congress is seeking to keep SP, a key outside supporter of the UPA government, in good humour. Mr Mistry downplayed SP leader Azam Khan’s remarks against him, saying one should desist from targeting individuals in politics.
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Nitish to Sibal: push for Bihar special status
Patna, July 3: Bihar chief minister Nitish Kumar on Wednesday made a strong demand for special category status to the state and urged Union law and IT minister Kapil Sibal to forcefully advocate his plea.
“You are a learned advocate. Please forcefully advocate the demand for special status to Bihar to help it overcome backwardness,” Mr Kumar said, addressing the gathering after laying the foundation stone of NIELIT (National Institute of Electronics and Information Technology) in rural Patna with Sibal.
Harping on his old demand, the Bihar CM said the special status was required as the state was way behind on major indices of development at the national level.
Despite accounting for 8 per cent of the country’s population Bihar at present is contribution to the GDP was only 2.9 per cent. “If the Centre accords special status to Bihar it can raise its contribution in GDP to 9-10 per cent,” he said.
Mr Sibal shared Mr Kumar’s concern and said he has always pleaded the case of Bihar.
“I have old association with Bihar. My birth in politics has been in Bihar so I always advocate in favour of legitimate demands of the state,” the Union Minister said in his address.
The country cannot progress without development of the backward states, he added. — PTI
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