Saturday, 02 December 2023 | PNS | DEHRADUN
The Congress has now finally awakened up after alleging various technical flaws and blaming the government while the workers were stuck in the Silkyara tunnel for 17 days. The Bharatiya Janata Party State media in-charge Manveer Singh Chauhan expressed happiness at what he termed the awakening of the Congress’ awareness while adding that it would have been better if the Congress had exercised self control and made responsible statements when the rescue operation was being undertaken. He said that while the rescue operation was underway, the Congress did not hesitate to exhibit technical expertise and was busy in politically analysing the situation for political benefit rather than being concerned about the rescue of the stranded workers.
Chauhan said, “The Congress makes statements about tunnel-based projects in Uttarakhand according to its convenience. The Congress is directly to blame for ignoring the report of the geologists regarding Joshimath but indulged in levelling allegations at the BJP. As in all disaster scenarios, Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami has ensured direct benefit to the disaster affected in Joshimath. Due to strong political will Kedarnath is now on the world map. As far as Silkyara is concerned, the nation and the world saw the rescue operation. The Congress which was so far raising questions about tunnel-based projects should avoid raising issues as per its convenience. Senior Congress leader Harish Rawat considers the Silkyara tunnel DPR being passed during the Congress’ tenure as an achievement but other party leaders are questioning the project.”
Regarding the decision of the Congress to felicitate rat miners involved it the Silkyara rescue operation, Chauhan appreciated it but rejected the party’s evaluation of the rescue efforts. The government has credited all agencies involved, experts from across India and abroad and army along with doctors for the success of the rescue mission. Rat miners were also part of the rescue team and they did a commendable job in the final stages of the operation but categorising one effort as better and considering other efforts as lower is not correct evaluation but it shows the mentality of the Congress, Chauhan said.
