‘V K Singh should resign for his remarks’

Pics: Spoorthi Ullal

Daijiworld Media Network - Mangaluru (JS)

Mangaluru, Nov 3: Former union minister Janardhan Poojary lambasted the union government for the recent controversy over OROP (one rank one pension) and demanded that the union minister and former army chief V K Singh resign for his remarks on the suicide of former army man. He also asked Chief Minister Siddaramaiah to leave his ego and arrogance.

Addressing media persons on Thursday November 3 in city, Poojary said, "The central government is solely responsible for the controversy on OROP. Prior to the election, Prime Minister Modi promised to introduce OROP as soon as his government comes to power. Both soldiers and civilians trusted him. Unfortunately, Modi completely forgot his promise. The defence minister made a big mistake by not introducing OROP as promised."

"The former soldier, who has committed suicide, had clearly written in his suicide note that he was taking the extreme step for the benefit of soldiers. He also wrote a letter to Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar at the end of October, asking the minister to pay heed to the demands of the former servicemen. After the incident, union minister and former army chief, V K Singh gave a controversial statement saying that the condition of this former serviceman's mental health needs to be investigated," Poojary added.

"On the contrary, BJP spokesperson Meenakshi Lekhi has produced statements demanding unearthing of the motive. I strongly condemn this. V K Singh should resign for his remarks. If he does not do so, then the prime minister should see to his resignation. If Modi cannot do this, then he should tell the citizens of the nation that he is helpless. We will agree," he continued.

"When Arvind Kejriwal and Rahul Gandhi went to console the family of the former serviceman, they were stopped by the police. The prime minister did not go to console the family. Both, Arvind Kejriwal and Rahul Gandhi were detained. They could have requested for visits to be made individually as it will trouble others, but on the contrary arrests were made. The central government has completely failed on this issue," commented Poojary.

"Meenakshi Lekhi should be expelled from the party for her remarks. If there is no peace, then how will the prime minister work on developments? The world is watching us. The share market is sliding down, FDI has gone down, and the rupee is sliding down against the dollar. If this continues how will Modi develop the nation?" Poojary said.

‘Take everyone together’ Siddaramaiah told

Taking a jibe at chief minister Siddaramaiah, Poojary said, "In Uttar Pradesh the chief minister Akhilesh Yadav is conducting a Ratha Yathra, but the workers are fighting among themselves. Mulayam Singh has become helpless. All this is because Akhilesh did not involve everyone together. The result is brawls. Chief Minister, learn something from this. If Siddaramaiah continues his arrogant behaviour, the same consequences will have to be faced here."

"You too must conduct a Ratha Yathra from Mysuru. If you do not win the by-election, then you will go home. The opposition has said that they will support Srinivas Prasad if he is contesting as an independent candidate. If this happens, then you will lose. So I request you to leave your ego and arrogance and take everyone together." Poojary said addressing Siddaramaiah.