In his maiden speech in Parliament, Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) Rajya Sabha member Sanjay Singh launched a scathing attack on the Modi government, accusing it of "trampling on democracy" by deliberately acting against the Delhi government.
Singh accused the Centre of "dictatorial overreach" by hatching conspiracies to dislodge a popular government . He asked if the Modi government was trying to topple the Delhi government because it has improved the living standards of Delhiites by halving the rate of electricity, providing free water, opening Mohalla clinics and improving education standards.
Listing out the details of loan debts of various industrial houses, Singh also asked why the Modi government was siding with the capitalists who do not care for the poor, especially those from the farming community.
"BJP government has played a cruel joke on farmers of UP by giving them Rs. 1 and Rs 2 loan waiver. You said you will put Rs. 15 lakhs in everyone's account, but have not put even Rs 15," said Singh.
Singh also accused the central government of creating an "emergency situation" for seven lakh traders in the Capital with regard to the ongoing sealing drive. He said if the government so chose, the drive could easily be stopped by passing a single bill.
"But it is not doing so...It is an anti farmer, anti youth, anti poor and anti trader government," said Singh.
SIngh's relentless attack on the Modi government in an over 17-minute-long speech drew uproar from the treasury benches. Deputy Chairman of the Rajya Sabha P J Kurien tried to intervene saying that it was a convention to not to disrupt the maiden speech of a new member to the House.
One the other hand, Opposition members enjoyed Singh's speech. Congress members, archrivals of the AAP government in Delhi, asked the chair to give him more time as special concession.
