TEJASHWI’S SCATHING ATTACK ON NDA: “THE GOVERNMENT BOWED DOWN TO HIS DEMAND

TEJASHWI’S SCATHING ATTACK ON NDA: “THE GOVERNMENT BOWED DOWN TO HIS DEMAND

30-JULY-ENG 2

RAJIV NAYAN AGRAWAL

PATNA-------------------------The recent announcement of increase in honorarium of Asha and Mamta workers in Bihar has heated up politics. Former Deputy Chief Minister and RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav has launched a scathing attack on the Nitish Kumar-led NDA government over this decision. Tejashwi claimed that this is the result of the process started by his government, which the NDA government kept hanging for two years. He termed it a 'copycat' and 'visionless' government and made a big political allegation before the upcoming elections.

Tejashwi Yadav issued a statement saying, "Our government started the work of improving health services since the formation of the government in November 2005. I had started the process of increasing the incentive amount of Asha and Mamta workers during my 17-month tenure as Health Minister, which was in the final stage. But by then the government and the Chief Minister habitually turned back." He further said, “This useless NDA government has been sitting on this issue for two years. Now finally they have to bow down to our demand of increasing the incentive amount of Asha and Mamta workers.”

Raising questions on the intention of the government, Tejashwi said that the government has been cunning and has not fully implemented their demand. He stressed, “They should not get incentive amount but honorarium. We will give them honorarium.” This statement clearly shows that RJD does not want to leave any stone unturned to corner the government on this issue.

The RJD leader did not stop here. Revealing his party's next strategy, he said, “Now this government will be forced to accept our demand of increasing the honorarium of Anganwadi workers/helpers and cooks as well.” This shows that RJD will keep pressure on the government regarding the increase in honorarium of other important sections.

Tejashwi Yadav raised tough questions on the functioning of the NDA government and asked, “It feels good to see the fear of this copycat, tired, blind and visionless government after seeing our demands, announcements, promises, intentions and claims. This fear is good but were they peeling peanuts for 20 years?” He reminded that in his short tenure of 17 months, the honorarium of Vikas Mitra, Shiksha Mitra/Tola Sevak, Talimi Markaz and Panchayati Raj public representatives was increased.

Finally, Tejashwi made a personal attack on the NDA leaders and said, “This government, its leaders, ministers and officers who used to make fun of our announcement are now running after seeing the power going away. Will you copy everything from Tejashwi or will you use your brain too?”