Former Tripura chief minister Manik Sarkar has criticized the central government’s Central Vista project citing it as a wastage of valuable government money during the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic.
The ambitious redevelopment project of the central government includes the construction of a new Parliament building, a central secretariat, residences of the Vice-President and Prime Minister together with developing the Rajpath from the Rashtrapati Bhawan to India Gate in New Delhi.
This project is estimated to cost billions.
“The central government wants to build a new house for the Prime Minister when many in the country are dying for want of food,” said Sarkar who had visited the PM’s residence several times.
Also read: Prime Minister Narendra Modi lays foundation stone of new Parliament
Prime Minister, Narendra Modi had laid the foundation stone for the new Parliament building on December 10, although the Supreme Court has barred any construction, demolition or felling of trees at the site of the Central Vista.
The Supreme Court is currently hearing 10 petitions challenging the project that will be implemented by
“What is the necessity of building a new PM’s residence at this crucial time when millions are getting affected by the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic?” questioned Sarkar.
“The government is investing huge money in the Central Vista project when the pandemic has forced many into leading a life of misery,” he said.
“Our government says it will vaccinate 300 million people. Who will protect the remaining 130 crores people in the country against the virus?” he said.
Sarkar also criticised the concept of “Love Jihad” saying the BJP wants to enact new rules to keep girls confined within the four walls.
“Several states have passed laws on ‘Love Jihad’. Anyone over the age of 18 can marry the person of his or her choice,” Sarkar said.
“What does BJP have a problem with this and why is it trying to change the existing laws on marriage? The party is trying to confine girls inside their homes by enacting new laws” he said.