PNS n
Refuting the charges of non-release of funds by the Centre to the State Government, the State BJP president, Ajay Bhatt presented a comparison sheet to the media on Friday, showing 31 per cent rise in grants sanctioned by the Central Government to the State as compared to last year.
A day ahead of the Maha rally of the BJP, the national and State party leaders had gathered to assess the preparations. The State president also threw an open challenge to the Chief Minister Harish Rawat for an open debate on the issue of non-release of funds by the Centre.
Taking a dig at Harish Rawat Government, BJP’s national secretary Shyam Jaju said that in spite of the
prohibitory orders imposed by the State Government, flow of the people cannot be stopped from entering the rally area on Saturday. “To hold rally is our democratic right and none can bar us from exercising that,” said Jaju.
Notably, Section 144 has been imposed since Thursday on the district except the city areas. He further said BJP holds the record in holding massive rallies across the country. “However, till date in the past two years, there is no tension erupting anywhere,” he said.
When asked why there was no photo of veteran leaders like Advani in posters showcasing the rally propaganda, Jaju said that BJP had cadres, not leaders.
State BJP president Ajay Bhatt said that for Uttarakhand Rs5,807 crores had been sanctioned in 2015-16 while Rs4,421 crores were sanctioned for the year 2014-15 giving rise to 31 per cent in terms of funds release. He said that total taxes shared with Uttarakhand in the next five years will increase by Rs25,002 crores, an increase of 156 per cent.
“As CM Harish Rawat is making comments in Garhwali and other regional languages on release of funds, he must come and debate with me. I can show all figures in black and white,” added Bhatt.