Protests can't stop wave of progress: Naqvi; Kejriwal calls it 'existence battle'

Union Minister Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi and Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal reacted to the violence that occurred during the farmers’ tractor parade on Tuesday (January 26), Republic Day.

While Naqvi, on Thursday (January 28), said the ‘wave of development’ cannot be stopped by the rise of an ‘anarchist conspiracy,’ Kejriwal said the violence on Republic Day was ‘unfortunate’ but ‘it will not lead to the end of the farmers’ movement against the agri laws.’

‘Wave of development cannot be stopped’ 

Naqvi, the Minority Affairs Minister, said while addressing an orientation programme, organised by the Central Waqf Council for officials of state Waqf Boards, that the Modi government’s determination for development, which is based on ‘development with dignity’ and ‘development without discrimination,’ has shown revolutionary results.

“Every section of society has become an equal partner of mainstream development,” Naqvi said. It is unfortunate that some ‘destructive elements’ chose Republic Day for “conspiracy against the country”, he was quoted as saying by a statement from his office.

He asserted that the ‘wave of development’ cannot be stopped by the ‘rise of an anarchist conspiracy.’

“These people are enemies of positive and constructive environment in the country,” Naqvi said, asserting that the government and the society cannot forgive these elements.

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In his address, he also said the Modi government has constructed infrastructure on a large scale for socio-economic and educational activities and skill development projects on Waqf properties across the country.

“Our diligent campaign of digitisation of Waqf records has made a large number of these Waqf properties free from the clutches of vested interests and Waqf mafia,” the minister said.

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During the last about six years, the Modi government has constructed schools, colleges, ITIs, polytechnics, girls hostels, hospitals, multi-purpose community hall “Sadbhav Mandap”, “Hunar Hub”, common service centres, employment oriented skill development centres and other basic infrastructure on Waqf land in needy areas across the country under “Pradhanmantri Jan Vikas Karykram” (PMJVK), Naqvi said.

This basic infrastructure has ensured quality education for the needy, especially girls, and employment opportunities to the youth.

‘Farm laws is a battle of existence for farmers’

Kejriwal, on the other hand, said, while addressing the ninth National Council meeting of the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), that the farmers’ protest against the farm laws is a battle of existence for them. He added that “since the issues still remain so the movement cannot end. We have to peacefully extend our support to the protesting farmers.”

He also said the “strictest punishment” be given to those responsible for the violence on Tuesday.

“Whoever is responsible for the turn of events, and I am not referring to the ones against whom police have registered fake cases, deserve to be punished. Whoever is responsible, whichever party is responsible should be acted against,” Kejriwal said.

(With inputs from agencies)