First look at crime graph in your stint, Haryana CM tells Oppn

Chandigarh, Aug 27 (IANS) Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini on Thursday said those questioning the law and order situation in Haryana should first look at the crime figures and incidents recorded during their tenure.

Taking a dig at the Opposition on the first day of the legislative Assembly, Chief Minister Saini claimed its problem is “that even before wiping a victim’s tears, it starts looking for a political opportunity. They are less concerned about the pain caused by crime and more eager to malign the government”.

He was replying to a calling attention motion on the law and order situation in Haryana moved by Indian National Lok Dal (INLD) members Aditya Devi Lal and Arjun Chautala.

CM Saini said a sensitive issue such as law and order must certainly be debated, but the discussion should be based on facts, not political convenience or misleading propaganda.

“The Opposition has every right to ask questions, but the people of Haryana also have the right to know the deep scars of crime, corruption, caste violence, recruitment scams and administrative failures that the state endured when the reins of power were in their hands,” CM Saini said.

The Chief Minister said in a democracy, everyone has the right to express their views and sentiments. “Opposition members have come to the House dressed in black today, but the people of Haryana are not looking at their black clothes, rather they are watching their dark deeds,” he claimed.

Referring to the 1984 riots, CM Saini targeted the Congress and said even recalling that period sends shivers down one’s spine.

“People had tyres placed around their necks and were burnt alive, people were set ablaze at public squares, and such atrocities were committed that many were forced to cut their hair to save their lives. Thousands of people were targeted,” he said.

He said the Congress has never apologised for the 1984 riots, and today a person associated with that period is being described as a ‘role model’.

“This is unfortunate and amounts to rubbing salt into the old wounds of the victims.”

The Chief Minister said Rahul Gandhi and former Chief Minister Bhupinder Hooda should put up a large photograph of the person whom the Congress describes as its ‘role model’, both inside and outside their homes.

He said extending protection to such people reflects the Congress party’s nature and mindset. The Chief Minister said that during Congress rule there was no democracy but a ‘rule-tantra’ under which people were forced to flee, leaving behind their homes, belongings and lifelong savings.

“The manner in which the system collapsed during Congress rule left every section of society distressed,” CM Saini alleged.

Referring to the allegations of administrative failure being levelled against the BJP government in Haryana by the Congress, he said it was a case of “the pot calling the kettle black.”

Taking a jibe at the Congress, CM Saini said “it is looking at everything through dark glasses. Its leaders only know how to level allegations and then walk out of the House”.

CM Saini said they cannot listen to the government’s reply because they do not have the courage to hear it. Their only course, therefore, is to level allegations and walk away.

Addressing the younger generation, he said those young people who had not witnessed the harsh period of Congress rule should learn about and search for information.

He claimed attempts were being made to mislead the younger generation through falsehoods being spread by the Congress.

“Young people should therefore find out for themselves what the Congress tenure was like and what the condition of the state’s administrative system was during that period,” CM Saini added.

–IANS

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