Jaipur, February 7: Amid ongoing political tensions regarding the Prime Minister’s lack of response in the Lok Sabha budget session, Union Water Resources Minister C.R. Patil has leveled serious accusations against the Congress party. During a press conference held at the BJP state office in Jaipur on Saturday, he stated that on the day the Prime Minister was supposed to respond in Parliament, Congress deliberately created a situation that could escalate tensions.
C.R. Patil described the incident involving Congress women MPs reaching the Prime Minister’s chair as highly unfortunate, marking a first in the history of Parliament. He emphasized that the Lok Sabha is a platform for asking questions and providing answers, not for cornering or pressuring individuals. The minister targeted Leader of the Opposition Rahul Gandhi, asserting that history shows those who use women for political leverage are inherently weak and lack confidence in their own strength.
The central minister accused Congress MPs of attempting to humiliate Union Minister Navneet Singh Bittu on the same day. He condemned the act of blocking and surrounding a turbaned Sikh, stating it was entirely inappropriate. While interjections and questions are part of parliamentary procedure, they should be conducted from one’s own seat. Approaching the Prime Minister’s chair violates decorum.
Regarding the Eastern Rajasthan Canal Project, C.R. Patil mentioned that the decision on whether it will receive national project status rests with the Cabinet. He discussed the Yamuna water agreement, highlighting it as a significant project for Rajasthan, valued between ₹77,000 crore and ₹1 lakh crore. He noted that the crucial factor is not how much funding the central and state governments provide, but how much water Rajasthan will receive.
Patil stated that the project will provide irrigation water to approximately 1 million hectares of land. Although Rajasthan is the state with the least water resources, it will soon have the highest availability of water. An MoU regarding Yamuna water has been signed between Haryana and Rajasthan, and work on the Detailed Project Report (DPR) has commenced. He also mentioned that whenever the Chief Minister of Rajasthan visits Delhi, he brings back something beneficial for the state.
The central minister praised Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman for presenting the budget nine consecutive times, setting a record and exemplifying women’s empowerment. He noted that in 2014, India was the 11th largest economy, and now it is on the path to becoming the third largest.
C.R. Patil highlighted ongoing developments in various sectors, including textiles, agriculture, and infrastructure. Seven special rail corridors are being developed across the country, including districts like Delhi, Varanasi, and Siliguri. Additionally, girls’ hostels and Amrit Sarovars are being established in every district.
He referenced the Jal Jeevan Mission, stating that water has been supplied to 16 million households, relieving women from the burden of fetching water from distant sources.