Hyderabad (Telangana): There has been a heated debate in the country over the issue of migrant bus politics. The buses arranged by Congress for migrants that remained parked at Rajasthan-Uttar Pradesh border for two days, returned after Bharatpur district administration denied permission for the buses to enter.
In an exclusive interview with ETV Bharat, Former MoS Home Affairs Bhanwar Jitendra Singh said that it is a clear case of petty politics over migrants. Singh said that government should not indulge in cheap politics at this time of crisis and should rather help in evacuating the migrants at the earliest and safeguard the interests of the labourers. Congress' Odisha In-Charge Singh also discussed Rajasthan's Bhilwara Model to contain the spread of Covid-19.
Excerpts from the interview:
Q1: Buses are not allowed to enter Uttar Pradesh and the matter is being politicized. Your comments?
A1: The politics over the migrant bus issue is very unfortunate. Workers and politicians, along with 500 buses were kept waiting at the Uttar Pradesh- Ghaziabad border but permission was denied by Uttar Pradesh Government. Congress took efforts to arrange buses for the stranded migrant workers for sending them back home. Initially, Yogi govt allowed buses to enter but later the state govt officials said 'NO'.
Earlier, Prime Minister Narendra Modi had announced nationwide corona-induced lockdown without giving a second thought about the migrants. Shramik trains were started but with high travel fees up to Rs 5,000.
Q2: Why Bhilwara model is not implemented in Rajasthan's Jodhpur?
A2: We have already implemented Bhilwara model in Jodhpur and numerous tests are also being done. Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot is continuously monitoring the situation. I believe that we can fight against corona as we have enough modern equipment. Around thirty labs have started the testing procedure in Rajasthan, including Alwar.
We are making efforts to bring more industrial opportunities in Rajasthan which is difficult at the present moment. Most of the migrants have moved to the cities due to which we are not in a position to start industries completely.
Q3: Can you highlight about Odisha's current political scenario?
A3: Odisha has prepared itself for cyclone Amphan and Congress has not performed well in the state. There has been a fresh bid to revamp Congress in the state. Denying disputes with Odisha CM Naveen Patnaik, Singh said that there are no political differences between CM and him. Everybody is working together for the growth of the state.
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