Congress terms Central Vista Project as govt's 'misplaced priority'

Soon after the apex court gave a go-ahead to the multi-crore project, the Congress party described the Central Vista Project as a case of government's "misplaced priority" and a waste of public money.

New Delhi: Congress party, on Tuesday, described the Central Vista Project as a case of government's "misplaced priority" and a "colossal waste of public money", soon after the Supreme Court gave a go-ahead to the multi-crore project.

The three-judge bench, headed by Justice AM Khanwilkar, delivered the verdict with the majority of 2:1, saying that the change in land use under Delhi Development Authority Act in the restricted zone was just and proper and the court did not find any infirmity in the grant of approval by Central Vista Committee or Heritage Conservation Committee.

While speaking to ETV Bharat, Congress leader PL Punia said, "Bhoomipujan of New Parliament building was being done even when the case was pending in Supreme Court. During COVID times, the Government imposed 30 per cent cuts in the budget of all the ministries. Therefore, Congress was demanding that the Central Vista project should be deferred."

Former Union Minister and senior Congress leader, Anand Sharma said in a series of tweets, "Saddened by the Supreme Court endorsement of Government's misplaced priorities during the pandemic and clearing the Central Vista project- an unnecessary and colossal waste of public money."

"Grand building of brick and mortar do not strengthen Parliamentary democracy but only a healthy functioning parliament that upholds Constitution and defends citizen's rights," he asserted.

Congress' Chief Spokesperson and General Secretary Randeep Singh Surjewala also attacked the central government over the matter, saying, "The ₹ 13450 crore Central Vista Project is not a legalistic issue but a case of 'misplaced priorities' of a 'whimsical autocrat' seeking to etch his name in the annals of history with cement and mortar."

He also noted that during COVID times, the government imposed cuts in the allowances of Armed forces, central government employees and military pensioners.

"Ironical that in times of coronavirus pandemic and economic recession, Delhi has ₹14,000 crores for Central Vista and ₹8000 crores for buying aircraft for PM. But the same BJP Govt has no time to provide 'heated tents and equipment' to our soldiers braving brazen Chinese incursions in Laddakh," he further added.

Congress party has continuously been opposing Central Vista Project suggesting that such a large amount of money should be used for the welfare of those sections who have got adversely affected by the economic recession during the nationwide lockdown.

However, he also showed confidence that after the verdict of the Supreme Court, the central government would take all the necessary steps to follow the environmental norms.