BJP hits out at freebie culture
Emphasising the need for a “genuine” opposition party in Tamil Nadu assembly, BJP spokesperson Nirmala Sitharaman on Sunday said her party did not believe in promoting freebies to garner votes.
Talking to reporters here, Ms Sitharaman said BJP “disapproved and discouraged this practice and parties should not underestimate voters” by trying to woo them with a long list of freebies.
BJP in its election manifesto had promised only a laptop to all the Class 11 and 12 students, which she said, was aimed at helping them to develop their skills to get employment.
In an apparent reference to Deputy Chief Minister M.K. Stalin’s recent comments on more freebies, she wondered why regional parties had failed to address poverty in the last 44 years in the state. In the last 44 years of the regional parties’ rule, development and law and order has been steadily declining in Tamil Nadu, she alleged.
The seven BJP-ruled states, she claimed, has been “witnessing a transparent, open and effective administration.”
Highlighting party leader Sushma Swaraj’s initiative in organising a dharna near Sri Lankan High Commission in Delhi on the Tamil fishermen issue, she said the DMK MPs, despite their alliance with the UPA had not done much.
Asked about the candidature of TNCC president K.V. Thangkabalu in Mylapore constituency, she asked, “how could the oldest national party in the country let its candidate file a nomination like this? What kind of game is this?”
Thangkabalu, earlier a dummy candidate, became the official party candidate of Mylapore, after his wife’s nomination was rejected as her signature was missing in the nomination form. She also said the Election Commission should be allowed to function independently.
BJP is contesting 194 of the total 234 assembly seats for the April 13 polls, while its allies Janata Party and Janata Dal (U) are contesting in 10 and five seats respectively.
Among the BJP leaders visiting Tamil Nadu for campaigning include party national president Nitin Gadkari, Arun Jaitley, Venkaiah Naidu and Sushma Swaraj, she said. — PTI
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