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Modi’s anti-corruption plank in tatters: Congress over CBI mess (Lead)
New Delhi, Nov 20 (IANS) The Congress on Tuesday said Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s plank of anti-corruption was in tatters. The party’s reaction came following a senior CBI officer accusing top government officials, including NSA Ajit Doval, of influencing the agencys functioning and a Union minister being bribed.
A day after DIG-rank CBI officer M.K. Sinha made the allegations before the Supreme Court, the Congress demanded answers from Modi and questioned Doval’s constitutional or legal authority to interfere with probe agency’s functioning.
Sinha alleged Doval stymied investigation of bribery charges against CBI Special Director Rakesh Asthana, and also said that “a few crore of rupees were paid to Union Minister of State for Coal and Mines Haribhai Parthibhai Chaudhari”.
“A crime thriller called ‘Chowkidar Chor Hai’ is underway in Delhi,” Congress president Rahul Gandhi tweeted in an apparent reference to the Prime Minister.
Later addressing a media conference, Congress leader Abhishek Manu Singhvi said the “turmoil created by a despotic Modi government in the CBI has now unleashed a corruption tsunami which has hit the top-most powers of the country”.
He said that Sinha’ affidavit before the apex court has confirmed that a “corrupt cabal” was in-charge of premier institutions such as teh Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), Enforcement Directorate (ED), Research and Analysis Wing (R&AW) and the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO).
“The plank of anti-corruption on which the Modi government came to power lies in tatters. What is however deafening is the silence of the Modi government,” said Singhvi.
Singhvi also wondered why none of those named or mentioned in the affidavit has spoken a word in their defence.
“In his rallies today (Tuesday), Modi looked visibly rattled and upset that all his misdeeds have started to come out in the open,” he said asserting Sinha’s affidavit has “conclusively exposed the underbelly” of the BJP government.
“Doval in his capacity as NSA has not only interfered in matters such as the Rafale negotiations, but has almost derailed the integrity of the investigation by the CBI. What constitutional or legal authority does he have?” he asked.
“What does the Prime Minister have to say about a Minister of State for Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions, in-charge of the PMO, being involved to ‘settle’ a matter for Haribhai Choudhary,” asked Singhvi.
–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.