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Ex-CM of Meghalaya says Modi lacks knowledge about N-E, demands Sonowal’s resignation over Citizenship Bill
Shillong, Jan 6 (IANS) Accusing Prime Minister Narendra Modi of lacking knowledge about the huge diversity of India’s northeastern states, former Meghalaya chief minister Mukul Sangma on Sunday demanded resignation of Assam Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal over the proposed Citizenship (Amendment) Bill, 2016.
Sangma, the leader of Opposition, urged ruling regional parties, which are partners in the BJP-led North East Democratic Alliance in the northeastern states, to severe ties with the saffron party in the interest of the indigenous people in the region.
“I am amused by the statement of Sonowal who said he will protect the interest of the people. Can he (Sonowal) dictate terms to Narendra Modi when he (Modi) is taking the decision (Citizenship (Amendment) Bill) and Sonowal is saying don’t worry? ” he asked.
“I demand his resignation from his post and the BJP. He is there by virtue of of his long innings with the All Assam Students’ Union and he has positioned himself in a manner that he can be in the reckoning in political spectrum of the region,” the veteran Congress leader told journalists after chairing a Congress legislature party meeting.
Sangma urged regional political parties to “scrutinize” and “audit” the intent and agenda of the ruling BJP-led NDA government on its decision to go ahead with proposed amendment Bill that seeks to grant citizenship to religious minority communities – Hindus, Sikhs, Buddhists, Jains, Parsis and Christians – from Afghanistan, Bangladesh and Pakistan – in India.
He said there is anger among all stakeholders in the region over the proposed Bill. “Anger and frustration are precursors to chaos and disorder and this does not augur well for the national integration. What is more important today is to fight against those forces who want to vitiate harmony.”
Asked if the Congress supports the northeast shutdown sponsored by the apex North East Students’ Organisation in protest against the proposed Bill, Sangma said, “We are with the people. We will not get distracted by any other issue. Citizenship issue is important and is something which we should focus on because we are talking about the unity and integration of the region and the nation,” he said.
–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.