Agartala, Jul 24, 2024, By Our Correspondent
Lok Sabha MP Biplab Deb came down heavily on the Congress and other opposition parties during a discussion in the Lok Sabha on the Union Budget for 2024-25. Deb countered the Congress' claims that the budget was "discriminatory" towards opposition-ruled states, insisting that the Narendra Modi government has taken care of every state and section of society. He highlighted that an additional Rs 4.82 lakh crore has been allocated for the overall development of the states.
His was perhaps the longest ever speech—about 40 minutes- in the Parliament from a Tripura MP.
Deb asserted that the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) will remain in power until 2047 and will elevate India to new heights, making it the world's leading economy. The former Tripura Chief Minister also criticized the Congress and other opposition parties for alleging that the Constitution is under threat.
Recalling historical events, Deb reminded the Lok Sabha that it was a Congress government that imposed the Emergency in 1975, benefitting "one person and one family," referring to then-Prime Minister Indira Gandhi. He claimed that the Congress had invoked Article 356, which allows for President's Rule in states, at least 70 times, thereby undermining the Constitution.
Deb questioned, "Why was the Emergency imposed? It was imposed because of one person and one family. The Emergency was imposed for one person—Indira Gandhi...now they carry the copy of the Constitution." He noted that the Congress has not surpassed 240 seats in the past three general elections, yet it criticizes the BJP for not crossing 400 seats.
Praising the Modi government's developmental efforts in the northeast, Deb pointed out that there were only nine airports during Congress rule, while under Modi's leadership, there are now 16. He emphasized that the Prime Minister and his entire cabinet have visited the northeast numerous times for its development, contrasting this with what he described as the prevalence of corruption in the region under Congress rule.
To further improve connectivity in the northeast, Deb mentioned a new scheme formulated for enhancing air connectivity and aviation infrastructure. The Regional Air Connectivity Scheme has been allocated Rs 502 crore in the budget for the civil aviation ministry for the current fiscal year ending next March. According to the Union Budget 2024-25, the funds earmarked for the regional air connectivity scheme are intended for the revival of 22 airports, the commencement of 124 routes, and the provision of Viability Gap Funding for North East Connectivity.