Rane slams Govt over Abu Azmi

MUMBAI, MARCH 21: Even as a truce was reached between the Congress-led Democratic Front Government and the Sena-BJP Opposition on contenti...

MUMBAI, MARCH 21: Even as a truce was reached between the Congress-led Democratic Front Government and the Sena-BJP Opposition on contentious issues, leader of Opposition Narayan Rane on Tuesday blasted the ruling party for associating itself with Samajwadi Party leader Abu Asim Azmi.

“Abu Asim Azmi is one of the members of the Coordination Committee set up to advice the Government. It was unfortunate that the Congress-led Democratic Front Government is associating itself with persons like Azmi, who has links with gangsters as well as criminals,” Rane said.

Initiating the debate on the motion of thanks to the Governor’s address, Rane said after the Congress-led Democratic Front Government took over the reigns of the state, the Mumbai police have collected adequate evidence to prove that Azmi has links with Dawood as well as Chhota Shakeel. “My information is that the Mumbai police is in possession of the tape recorded conversation Azmi had with underworld elements. Azmi was specifically informed that he (Chhota Shakeel) will finish the same number of persons as those killed during the Sena-BJP rule. If the Deputy Chief Minister has courage, let him deny that,” Rane said.

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Continuing his tirade against Azmi for his alleged anti-national remarks, Rane said not only a record number of 12 criminal cases were registered against him, but his passport as weapon licence was revoked when I K Gujral was Prime Minister.

Taking strong exception to the contention of Alexander that the law and order situation in the State was excellent after the Vilasrao Deshmukh Government came to power, Rane said it was unfortunate that the Government misled the Governor on the law and order situation. “After the new Government was installed, there was sudden spurt in incidents of murders as well as extortions, while more than half a dozen communal riots were also witnessed, while the law and order situation under the Sena-BJP rule was best,” he claimed.

On the financial situation, Rane said though the Government published the white paper on the economic situation during the winter session of the State Legislature, no concrete steps were taken to mobilise resources. “I feel that the new Government has lost its credibility in the financial market, which was evident from the response to the bonds floated for the Krishna Valley Development Corporation. In the first phase, for Rs 1,000 crore bonds, it collected Rs 25 crore, for second phase for Rs 300 crore, it garnered Rs 115 crore and for the third phase for Rs 700 crore, there is no response so far,” Rane remarked.

A quick look at the Governor’s address will lead one to the conclusion that during the last three decades, the State had never seen such a directionless speech. “There is neither direction nor is there policy in the speech. We felt that since the Cabinet members as well as Legislators are experienced and seasoned, they will give new direction to the Government. But, the address has disappointed one and all,” Rane added.