PM’s Balochistan remarks have spoilt country’s image: Rane

Mumbai, Aug 17 (PTI) Congress leader Narayan Ranetoday said Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s reference toBalochistan in his Independence Day speech has "spoilt"India’s image and the PM should have instead assured thesafety of Dalits. Talking to reporters here, Rane claimed that Modi’s"indifferent attitude" towards atrocities against the Dalitsand the minority community, shows that he does not want totake their responsibility. "In the last 70 years, no PM has ever spoken aboutinternational issues in the Independence Day address. Expertsare saying that his statements weren’t right and can get Indiain trouble in future. He has spoilt the image of our nationinternationally by openly conceding that India is involved inBalochistan," he said. The former Maharashtra Chief Minister also said duringhis speech, Modi kept giving credit to himself, rather thanmentioning the work done by his ministers. "On the eve of Independence Day, the President veryclearly spoke against atrocities on Dalits and minoritycommunity. But Modi ji did not speak a word on it, he did notassure them security. This shows that he is not ready to taketheir responsibility," he said. On the functioning of the BJP-led government inMaharashtra, the Congress MLC said none of the ministers havequalities to head their departments. "There is rampant corruption. No substantial work isbeing done, new announcements are being made withoutfulfilling old commitments, the real estate industry in Mumbaihas slumped. This cannot be called a government," he said. Rane said the state is taking new loans fordevelopment projects and thereby increasing the load on thealready over burdened exchequer. PTI MM NP AARBAS