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Is Modi above accountability, asks Congress
New Delhi, Dec 7 (IANS) The Congress on Friday lambasted BJP President Amit Shah for parrying a media query over Prime Minister Narendra Modi yet to hold a press conference, and asked if Modi and Shah consider themselves above accountability.
Asked to respond on Congress President Rahul Gandhi’s charge of Modi not holding a single press conference during his entire tenure, a visibly upset Shah — addressing a media conference at the party headquarters here — sought to deflect the question saying “(BJP spokesman) Sambit Patra will respond”.
With the media person persisting with his question, Shah replied: “Will reply… the reply will be on party’s behalf, why are you worried?”
Reacting to the development, Congress spokesperson Randeep Singh Surjewala accused Shah of “insulting Indian democracy and freedom of press”.
“Does Shah mean democracy is dead in country and the Prime Minister can’t be held accountable to the rule of law or to be questioned on failed policies of his government and charges of corruption?” asked Surjewala.
The Congress leader said Shah’s remarks denigrated the right of media to question and reflected the “autocratic attitude” of the Modi government.
“Does Shah think questioning the Prime Minister for not addressing the media is per se defamatory or bad? Arrogance of power has gone so high that they consider themselves above democracy, above accountability and above answering to the people of India,” added Surjewala.
Taking a jibe at Modi for not holding a press conference ever since he became the Prime Minister in 2014, Gandhi had on Wednesday asked him to hold one, saying “it’s fun having questions thrown at you”.
Modi has been under attack from the opposition for not entertaining media conferences and giving only “scripted interviews to friendly media channels”.
Incidentally, Modi on the day advocated media’s right to question the system.
“To question the system is not only media’s responsibility but also its right and I welcome it,” Modi said while addressing the 75th anniversary of Dainik Jagran.
–IANS
and/nir
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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.