Lucknow:
After a brief lull, Union minister Beni Prasad Verma today launched another tirade against Samajwadi Party chief Mulayam Singh Yadav, saying those "serving family interest" cannot be termed as socialists.
Five days after he came under fire over his remark that Mulayam Singh allegedly has "terrorist links", Beni Prasad today said, "Those who are serving the interest of their family cannot be termed as socialists."
The Union minister was addressing a party's 'dharna' against Uttar Pradesh government's "failures" and "dismal" law and order situation in the state.
"How can they think of society and common man when they are concerned only about themselves and their family," Beni said without naming anyone.
"In reality, Jawaharlal Nehru and Indiraji were the real socialists who had followed socialism," he claimed.
When asked, whether he would put in his papers over his remarks on the Samajwadi Party chief, Beni Prasad replied, "Why should I resign".
The Union minister said he would continue to struggle for another 20 years and will strive for Rahul Gandhi till he becomes Prime Minister.
Referring to SP workers burning his effigy over his remarks, he said let them continue to do so "it would only prolong my life".
Asking the party workers to work hard, Beni Prasad said UP has always played an important role in national politics but things are different today.
"The funds, meant for welfare schemes for the Dalits and minorities, are being spend on unemployment allowance and laptops," the Congress leader said.
On the law and order situation in the state, Beni Prasad said growing incidents of loot, murder, rape and bribe do not depict socialism.
Referring to the murder of Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) Zia-ul-Haque, he said that National Security Act should have been invoked on the accused before transferring the case to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI).
Though critical of Mulayam Singh, Beni Prasad said UP chief minister Akhilesh Yadav, is a wise person and would improve things if given a free hand.
Five days after he came under fire over his remark that Mulayam Singh allegedly has "terrorist links", Beni Prasad today said, "Those who are serving the interest of their family cannot be termed as socialists."
The Union minister was addressing a party's 'dharna' against Uttar Pradesh government's "failures" and "dismal" law and order situation in the state.
"How can they think of society and common man when they are concerned only about themselves and their family," Beni said without naming anyone.
"In reality, Jawaharlal Nehru and Indiraji were the real socialists who had followed socialism," he claimed.
When asked, whether he would put in his papers over his remarks on the Samajwadi Party chief, Beni Prasad replied, "Why should I resign".
The Union minister said he would continue to struggle for another 20 years and will strive for Rahul Gandhi till he becomes Prime Minister.
Referring to SP workers burning his effigy over his remarks, he said let them continue to do so "it would only prolong my life".
Asking the party workers to work hard, Beni Prasad said UP has always played an important role in national politics but things are different today.
"The funds, meant for welfare schemes for the Dalits and minorities, are being spend on unemployment allowance and laptops," the Congress leader said.
On the law and order situation in the state, Beni Prasad said growing incidents of loot, murder, rape and bribe do not depict socialism.
Referring to the murder of Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) Zia-ul-Haque, he said that National Security Act should have been invoked on the accused before transferring the case to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI).
Though critical of Mulayam Singh, Beni Prasad said UP chief minister Akhilesh Yadav, is a wise person and would improve things if given a free hand.
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