Former Minister critiques BJP’s ticket decision in DK: Questions Nalin Kumar Kateel’s exclusion

PTI, Mar 30, 2024, 1:02 PM IST

Former minister and Congress leader Abhay Chandra Jain questioned the denial of a Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) ticket to Nalin Kumar Kateel, whom he referred to as the self-proclaimed “No. 1 MP” in terms of development.

Addressing presspersons at the district Congress office on Saturday, Jain questioned the rationale behind Kateel’s exclusion from the BJP’s candidate list, suggesting that his purported lack of significant development work might have played a role in the decision.

He emphasized that during the Congress tenure, tangible development projects were initiated, with some left incomplete by the BJP.

Jain criticized the BJP’s electoral strategy, alleging that it relied heavily on propaganda and sentimental appeals rather than delivering tangible benefits to the masses.

He asserted that the electorate was now more discerning and would prioritize genuine progress over rhetoric, expressing confidence in the Congress’s electoral prospects.

Taking aim at Prime Minister Modi and the BJP, Jain accused them of leading lavish lifestyles while the common people faced economic challenges like price hikes and the effects of GST. He urged voters to recognize the contributions of the Congress in eradicating poverty and advancing the nation’s welfare.

Commenting on the denial of tickets to certain candidates, Jain cited age as a possible factor, noting that while lacking in caste-based influence or financial resources, individuals like Moili remained committed to serving despite their exclusion from electoral contests.

District Congress Vice Presidents Shubhodaya Alva and Neeraj Pal, along with General Secretaries TK Sudhir and Vikas Shetty, and Secretary Nazir Bajal were present.