 Akshay Azad
Early Times Report
Jammu, Oct 2: A large billboard with photo of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and other BJP leaders in Main Stop area of Jammu city, just behind a filthy drain and garbage pile, mocks at the Swachh Bharat Abhiyan. Ironically, photo of Mahatma Gandhi, on whose birth anniversary the campaign was launched last year, finds no place in the billboard.
On Friday morning, Jammuites found two large hoardings in the Main Stop area, one raised by BJP and another by a local trader to commemorate the birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi. It was quite surprising to notice that the hoarding raised by local trader had photograph of the 'Father of Nation', while the other hoarding erected by the BJP portrayed only spectacles, symbolizing Mahatma Gandhi.
Castigating the BJP for just creating a hype and doing little for cleanliness, Rahul Sharma of Gandhi Nagar said that a month ago a large hoarding of BJP showing PM Modi was there and the same hoarding was covered with long grown bushes.
"A new hoarding showing several leaders including Modi, BJP president Amit Shah, local leaders including Deputy Chief Minister, Dr. Jitendra Singh and others has replaced it, but there is not an iota of change in the surrounding environment", he said, adding that the campaign is "barely a photo-op for netas and babus, just symbolism and eyewash".
Former Secretary of Pradesh Congress Committee Hukam Chand Basotra said the campaign was a "total fraud".
"Public money meant for public welfare schemes is diverted to raise hoarding across Jammu city, but on the ground, filthy drains, dug up roads, and filthy hospitals speak volumes about the hollowness of the campaign," Basotra said.
He said the BJP remained silent for complete one year and on the eve of Gandhi Jayanti, it woke up from slumber to raise hoardings and organize functions.
He further said that the Deputy Chief Minister Nirmal Singh led Urban Ministry has so far failed to contain spread of dengue in Jammu city. Besides the condition of Hari Singh Park, adjoining Maharaja Gulab Singh Marg, where stray animals and garbage piles are there, is pathetic. |
