NEW DELHI: Comments from JD(U) and LJP on Thursday for a “review” of Agnipath scheme were interpreted as muscle-flexing by allies whose strength in NDA has acquired disproportionate dimension because of BJP lacking its own majority, before the former (JD(U) general secretary K C Tyagi) dialled back by saying that his comments to TV channels were edited out of context.
“What is said was in exact sync with the line articulated on several occasions by Rajnath Singh that the scheme is going to be reviewed periodically to look for shortcomings and their removal,” Tyagi said, adding that there were reports of unhappiness among a section of voters in western Uttar Pradesh and Rajasthan. “My assertion that JD(U) is part of NDA and has extended unconditional support to the Modi govt was also left out,” he further said.
On JD(U)’s support to a Modi-led govt, Tyagi said, “There is no pre-condition, there is unconditional support. But it is in our mind and heart that Bihar should be given special status. After bifurcation, the situation Bihar faced cannot be corrected without granting special status.”
LJP (Ram Vilas) chief Chirag Paswan said govt must carry out an assessment of how much could be delivered through this scheme as it directly concerned youngsters. “If it is beneficial and working for them as per intention of the scheme, then we must continue. If not, we should come up with suggestions of what can be done. But these things can be kept on hold for a while or till govt formation. Immediately after that, we can sit and discuss all these things,” he said.
On caste census, which was carried out by Nitish Kumar govt in Bihar with support of BJP, RJD and all other political parties, Tyagi said, “No party in the country has opposed caste census. Bihar has shown the way, the PM also did not oppose… It is the demand of the time, and we will pursue it.”
Paswan also backed a caste-wise headcount. “Me and my party do support caste census. There’s a reason behind this. Even after seven decades of Independence, there are still schemes and policies which are drafted for upliftment of a particular caste or section of society. Many times, courts have also asked for the population count of a particular caste. So, I do believe that govt should have these details with it, what is the figure of a particular caste. I’m not in favour of making it public, because that increases the divide,” he said.
Tyagi said JD(U) is not opposed to Uniform Civil Code but all stakeholders should be consulted. “On UCC, CM (Nitish Kumar) had written to Law Commission. We are not against UCC. But there should be consultation with all stakeholders,” he said.
“What is said was in exact sync with the line articulated on several occasions by Rajnath Singh that the scheme is going to be reviewed periodically to look for shortcomings and their removal,” Tyagi said, adding that there were reports of unhappiness among a section of voters in western Uttar Pradesh and Rajasthan. “My assertion that JD(U) is part of NDA and has extended unconditional support to the Modi govt was also left out,” he further said.
On JD(U)’s support to a Modi-led govt, Tyagi said, “There is no pre-condition, there is unconditional support. But it is in our mind and heart that Bihar should be given special status. After bifurcation, the situation Bihar faced cannot be corrected without granting special status.”
LJP (Ram Vilas) chief Chirag Paswan said govt must carry out an assessment of how much could be delivered through this scheme as it directly concerned youngsters. “If it is beneficial and working for them as per intention of the scheme, then we must continue. If not, we should come up with suggestions of what can be done. But these things can be kept on hold for a while or till govt formation. Immediately after that, we can sit and discuss all these things,” he said.
On caste census, which was carried out by Nitish Kumar govt in Bihar with support of BJP, RJD and all other political parties, Tyagi said, “No party in the country has opposed caste census. Bihar has shown the way, the PM also did not oppose… It is the demand of the time, and we will pursue it.”
Paswan also backed a caste-wise headcount. “Me and my party do support caste census. There’s a reason behind this. Even after seven decades of Independence, there are still schemes and policies which are drafted for upliftment of a particular caste or section of society. Many times, courts have also asked for the population count of a particular caste. So, I do believe that govt should have these details with it, what is the figure of a particular caste. I’m not in favour of making it public, because that increases the divide,” he said.
Tyagi said JD(U) is not opposed to Uniform Civil Code but all stakeholders should be consulted. “On UCC, CM (Nitish Kumar) had written to Law Commission. We are not against UCC. But there should be consultation with all stakeholders,” he said.