New Delhi: The Congress on Sunday alleged that heroin worth Rs 1,600 crores, seized by the Australian maritime force off the Kenya coast in April, originated from Gujarat and sought to punch holes in Narendra Modi’s claims of providing strong national security. However, the BJP hit back and put the onus on the Centre, saying security along the country’s coastline was its responsibility.
The BJP also sought to blame the Congress-led UPA government of “inaction” on its part in not setting up immigration check-posts in ports across Gujarat despite the state government’s requests. Earlier in the day, Congress spokesperson Abhishek Manu Singhvi alleged the seizure has exposed the “total laxity” of the Modi-led Gujarat government on the issue of coastal security.
“For mr Modi, national security is nothing but a stick for political gain, it is something to whip up jingoism and chest thumping,” he said, adding the recent incident has shown how “hollow” his claims are.
Mr Singhvi also claimed that the ship was chartered to Jamnagar-based Haza Bhai Kathiriya in October 2013, whose two brothers, Haji Ajij Kungda and Haji Abdul Karim Kungda are prominent BJP leaders. Mr Modi is not using the manpower properly and not distributing it properly,” Mr Singhvi said.
