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AAP, BJP MLAs trade charges over delay in Metro Phase-IV
New Delhi, Dec 20 (IANS) Delhi’s ruling Aam Aadmi Party and the oppositin BJP on Thursday traded charges in the Assembly over delay in the Metro Phase IV project, a day after the city government approved 103-km long six new corridors of the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC).
Responding to Vote of Thanks motion by ruling party to congratulate Delhi government, the ruling party and the opposition blamed each other for delaying the project.
Slamming the BJP, Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia alleged the saffron party created hurdles in the project.
“Despite BJP’s conspiracy, the AAP dispensation cleared the Phase-IV of Delhi Metro for the benefit of Delhiites. Travelling by metro is a necessity for the people,” he said.
Sisodia alleged “fictitious” calculations in estimates pointing to the cost of the project, which was earlier Rs 57,000 crore and is now scaled down to Rs 46,000 crore.
“They (BJP) fight to take credit of metro phase IV, but we fight for the people of Delhi. Based on fictitious calculation, they tried to stall Phase IV of Metro by hatching a conspiracy.”
Leader of Opposition in the Assembly Vijender Gupta, on the other hand, blamed AAP government for delaying the project for three years.
Gupta questioned the ruling party as to why the project was delayed for three years and sought to know what changed during this period that they cleared it now.
“You are trying to misguide the people. After three years what has changed that you clear it now,” he said amid interruptions by ruling party legislators.
Opposition MLA Manjinder Singh Sirsa accused the AAP government for delaying the project for three years to “allow benefits to App-based cab services Ola and Uber”.
On recent Metro fare hike, Sisodia said the Delhi government should have the power to reduce the fare and a say in the fare decision.
“I can ensure that if given power, we will reduce metro fare hike by 25 to 30 per cent”, alleging that the BJP does not want the fares to come down.
Sirsa countered Sisodiya saying the government should reduce the fare and the BJP MLAs from Delhi will support the reduction.
Transport minister Kailash Gahlot also countered Opposition’s allegations saying there were several reasons that led to the delay in the project.
“We were in regular touch with the Centre about it. The files took rounds 4-5 times. Also, the Goods and Services Tax (GST) was introduced that led to recalculations of the estimates,” Gahlot told the House.
–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.