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It is not 2014 any more: Thackeray warns BJP
Mumbai, Oct 18 (IANS) In a veiled warning to the BJP, Shiv Sena President Uddhav Thackeray on Thursday said that “the winds of 2014 elections have changed now” and the people of India have not forgotten all the ‘jumlas’ of the Modi government.
“The people of the country seek replies to all the big promises you made in 2014, but the BJP gave us only jumlas like ‘Achhe Din’ or depositing Rs 15 lakh in every Indian’s bank account,” Thackeray roared in his speech.
Addressing the party’s customary Dassehra Rally, Thackeray said Prime Minster Narendra Modi, his cabinet ministers, BJP Chief Ministers and all others were camping in the five states where elections shall be held next month.
“This itself is a big defeat for you. Instead of concentrating on developmental works and fulfilling the promises of 2014, the government is washing its hands off (the promises),” he said.
Thackeray recalled how when he questioned Union Minister Ravi Shanker Prasad on the ‘monstrous’ hikes in petrol-diesel-cooking gas rates, the Minister shrugged his shoulders and said “It’s not in our hands.”
“What do you mean? You have Lord Vishnu’s 11th ‘avatar’ with you but you cannot stop inflation and galloping fuel prices and zooming US dollar rates? If you can’t do this, then why are you sticking to power? It appears the NDA’s DNA is defective,” Thackeray said.
He reiterated how “the petrol pumps and gas cylinders now appear to be Ravana” to the people burdened by steep prices, but the government had not taken any measures to control them despite a nationwide outcry.
Referring to Union Minister Nitin Gadkari’s statement that since the BJP never expected to win the 2014 elections, it made all kinds of promises but now they were stuck.
“You should have thought carefully before speaking. But having made the promises, you should have sacrificed your lives to keep your word. That is Maharashtra’s culture. But they are shameless and have simply lied, lied and lied to the country. Remember, the country is sitting on the tip of a volcano which can erupt anytime with disastrous consequences,” Thackeray declared.
Attempting to score a point on the Ram Temple issue, Thackeray said he will visit the Ayodhya site on November 25 and question Modi on what happened to the promise of constructing a grand Ram temple though more than four years have passed.
He pointed out how in Ramadan there was a ceasefire with Pakistan but on Ganeshotsav and Navratri loudspeakers were banned.
Training guns on Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, Thackeray said though monsoon had barely ended, the dragon of drought had raised its ugly head in Maharashtra.
“Karnataka has already declared a drought and started relief measures. But in Maharashtra, the CM is still studying the issue. We ask Fadnavis to immediately declare a drought here.”
He said when the Shiv Sena speaks about the problems faced by the masses, “we are labelled ‘anti-government’ and ‘anti-national'”.
–IANS
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Dr. Abhishek Verma Dedicates a Shelter in Memory of His Mother, Veena Verma, at KGMU; Inaugurated by Daughter Nicolle Verma
World-renowned business tycoon Dr. Abhishek Verma has supported Foodman Vishal Singh’s Hunger-Free World mission. In memory of his mother, Late Veena Verma, who was a 3 term Rajya Sabha MP.
Dr. Verma dedicated a state-of-the-art free permanent shelter for the attendants of patients at KGMU Medical University, Lucknow, under the aegis of Vijay Shree Foundation. His daughter, Nicolle Verma, inaugurated the shelter.
During the event, Foodman Vishal Singh honored Nicolle Verma by presenting her with a memento. Mrs. Nidhi Sharma and Avantika Yadav, associated with the organization, welcomed her with garlands. Following this, Nicolle Verma distributed essential items to the attendants and also handed out fruits. She became emotional remembering her grandmother on her birth anniversary.
On this occasion, she also inaugurated the “Veena Verma Sevalaya” in memory of her grandmother, Veena Verma, to serve the attendants. She expressed, “I feel proud that my family is engaged in nation-building as well as social service. Today, in collaboration with Vijay Shree Foundation founder Foodman Vishal Singh Ji, I feel immensely proud to dedicate this shelter for the poor, helpless, and needy attendants of patients battling serious illnesses like cancer. I am honored to be associated with the Hunger-Free World Mission for humanity.”
Inspired by the continuous humanitarian service provided by Vijay Shree Foundation over the past 17 years, Nicolle Verma donated 10 lakh rupees to support the cause. The purpose of this donation is to ensure that services continue for the needy attendants of patients suffering from severe illnesses in hospitals, as facilitated by Foodman Vishal Singh.
It is noteworthy that Dr. Abhishek Verma’s family has a legacy of public and philanthropic service. They are helping millions to carry forward the values and service work of their parents. On the occasion of his mother’s birth anniversary, Dr. Abhishek Verma dedicated this state-of-the-art permanent shelter at Lucknow Medical College to serve the attendants of patients through the Vijay Shree Foundation.
Supporting Foodman Vishal Singh’s Hunger-Free World mission, Dr. Abhishek Verma assured that he would continually support keeping this flame of humanity alive. He also promised to assist in providing medicines to the helpless patients.
Continuing her grandmother’s legacy of service, Nicolle Verma personally served food to the needy patients and attendants. She said, “It is our good fortune to have received the joy of doing this noble work today through Foodman Vishal Singh. I have taken another step forward in carrying my family’s values and cooperation by joining hands with the Vijay Shree Foundation. My father taught me to serve and help the needy, and I feel happy when I bring a smile to someone’s face.”
On the birth anniversary of the late Veena Verma, the event organizer, Vijay Shree Foundation founder Foodman Vishal Singh, said, “We feel proud and happy that Dr. Abhishek Verma, a globally renowned business tycoon, has extended his support to uplift our country from the hunger index. Today, on his mother’s birth anniversary, he inaugurated a state-of-the-art permanent shelter at Lucknow Medical College, which will always be helpful for the needy attendants of patients. It is a pleasure for me and the organization to receive the affection of Mr. Verma.”
The event was attended by General Manager Verma Family Office Hemant Garg, Sonu Rajput, and the organization’s volunteers, including Sandeep Singh, Parmeshwar Ji, Prashant Rao Gautam, Balram Singh, Ramesh Chaudhary, Suman, Jeetu, Anil, Suraj, Vinay, Manish Bhadauria, Manas Mehrotra, Vivek, Apurv, Happy, and others.