Narmada: A BJP MP walked off Garib Kalyan
Mela here allegedly agitated over not being invited to podium
to speak.
Bharuch MP Mansukh Vasva also accused Gujarat Forests and
Environment Minister Mangu Patel of insulting him by not
inviting him to give speech at the Garib Kalyan Mela,
organised yesterday at Sagbara in Narmada district, which
falls under his Parliamentary constituency.
"You have not called me to speak during the function.
You are insulting me in my own constituency," an agitated
Vasava told Patel from the stage in front of packed audience.
Patel tried to placate Vasava, but the MP refused to
budge and went on to say, "I have been working for the tribal
since many years and this is my home. Why have I not be called
to speak when my name was on the invitation card."
Sensing the temper of MP going soar, the organisers
switched off the microphone following which Vasava walked off
the stage and boycotted the mela.
"While the Chief Minister wants to eliminate middle
men by organising such melas, the tribal secretary was giving
back door entry to middlemen," Vasava alleged while speaking
to media persons later.
Vasava further alleged that the tribal secretary was
using NGOs of his choice for implementing the tribal welfare
schemes such as Van Bandhu Kalyan Yojna.
"The Secretary is involved in corruption in the
implementation of tribal schemes. I have also complained in
writing to the Tribal Welfare minister, but till date I have
not got any reply," the BJP MP claimed.
When asked does he expect disciplinary action against him
by party for his behaviour at the mela, Vasava said," I
will fight for the truth and the welfare of the tribals. I
don`t care what the consequences be."
However, the Garib Kalyan Mela continued as per schedule
despite temporary disturbance caused due to Vasava`s outburst.
PTI
