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Rahul, Naidu move ahead to counter BJP in 2019
New Delhi, Nov 1 (IANS) Congress President Rahul Gandhi and Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu on Thursday held discussions and decided to move ahead to unite the like-minded opposition parties to oust the BJP in the 2019 Lok Sabha polls.
After an hour-long discussion, both leaders stressed the leadership issue will be discussed later and said their primary motive was to defeat the BJP as democracy and the institutions were being “attacked” by the Modi-led BJP government.
“We have to defend the future of the country. So, we are coming together. Both of us agree that we are going to talk about the future. The country is passing through a critical phase. Because of the situation, all opposition forces have to get together and provide a vision to the country,” Gandhi told reporters with Naidu by his side.
Naidu said he along with Gandhi wanted a common platform “save nation, save democracy” for the opposition parties to defeat the BJP.
“We want to chalk out a programme for future to protect democracy and also the institutions. I am in politics for the last 40 years, but have never witnessed such attempts to demolish institutions such as the RBI, CBI, ED and Income Tax — one by one.
“You name any institution… even governors in the state and Supreme Court. You can see what happened in Rafale deal. We are very happy we are working together,” Naidu said.
Asked who will be the face of the opposition camp, both Gandhi and Naidu stressed that the issue will be decided later as their primary target was to remove the BJP from power.
“We have agreed with the principle idea of defeating the BJP and to defend democracy and the institutions. All other ideas will be discussed later. Everybody is going to work together,” said Gandhi.
On his part, Naidu said: “It is a reality that the Congress is the principle opposition party and that other parties are backing it. We will sit together and chalk out a programme.”
As reporters insisted on clearing the air about leadership issue, Naidu said: “You are more interested in candidate, while opposition parties are interested in the nation”.
“You also think about nation first. Save nation, save democracy. Then, we will think about anything (leadership). Our main motive is to save the nation,” he said.
Gandhi said : “Your motive is sensationalism…But, we have to work together and deliver on people’s aspirations. The principle challenge is to work together to defend India’s institutions and democracy. Everything else is secondary.”
To a question on Rafale, Gandhi said: “It is very clear that corruption has taken place. Institutions that can investigate Rafale are being attacked. If there is a proper inquiry in Rafale, it will become very clear what exactly happened…where the money went and who was involved in corruption. I believe the nation needs to know where corruption in Rafale has taken place. And that sentiment is shared by all opposition leaders.”
Asked whether other opposition parties share the same sentiment on the Rafale controversy, Gandhi turned the mike towards Naidu and said: “Chandrababu can comment on that.”
Naidu then said: “In Andhra Pradesh, we have our own issue on bifurcation (of the state) for special status. On that Rahul-ji has supported us. We are all in agreement. We are all concerned. Rahulji is taking lead on Rafale and other issues. Some other parties are also talking about it. But at national forum, only one voice will be raised, which will have tremendous effect.”
–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.