Sisodia attacks PM on 'killer' Chinese manjha, demands ban on import

New Delhi: Demanding that the central government put an immediate ban on the import of "killer Chinese manjha" (kite string), Delhi Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia on Monday targetted the Prime Minister, saying the Centre is working with the "Chinese mafia".

"The central government is bringing Chinese manjha in the country by working with the Chinese mafia. Due to this, several deaths were reported throughout the country and Delhi while several birds were injured," Sisodia said in the Delhi legislative assembly during a discussion on the sharp imported Chinese manjha. 

The sharp kite string has claimed three lives, including of two children, in the national capital on August 15 during a kite-flying festival here.

"Modi should answer under what circumstances did he permit the import of killer Chinese manjha. It's because he had to enjoy a swing ride with the Chinese President near the river bank," Sisodia said sarcastically, referring to Modi and President Xi Jinping sitting on a swing on the bank of the Sabarmati river in Ahmedabad in September 2014.

The Delhi government earlier sought a ban on Chinese manjha but clearance to the file was delayed. The Delhi government has accused the Lt. Governor office and the Environment Secretary for the delay.

Sisodia added that merely banning the manjha in Delhi would not be enough as people will get it from neighbouring Haryana and Uttar Pradesh.

"We admit that after Lt.Governor's approval, some delay occurred at the Environment Secretary's office. We have also recommended to the LG that action should be taken against the secretary," Sisodia said.

Leader of Opposition Vijendra Gupta, however, countered Sisodia's claim and said that the Delhi government was deliberately delaying the process of issuing draft notification on the ban of Chinese manjha. 

"Government has showed laxity in imposing the ban. There are certain powers with the state government through which it can ban Chinese manjha for a certain period," Gupta said, demanding a probe into the delay.