Assam minister to prove how meal for eight is possible in Rs 20

GUWAHATI: While Assam Agriculture minister, Nilamoni Sen Deka facing stiff opposition from different quarters for his comments that eight people could have a proper meal for just Rs 20, the minister has refused to give in and is determined to prove his point.

The minister whose effigies are burnt at different places has stated he will within a week prove that hearty meal for eight is possible in just Rs 20.

Chief Minister, Tarun Gogoi has distanced himself from the controversy and stated that he will not say to as how much money is required for meal. Even the Pradesh Congress unit has termed Deka’s remark as personal view.

On Tuesday Asom Jatiyatabadi Yuba-Chatra Parishad ( AJYCP) has prepared Deka’s effigy and admitted the same in Tezpur mental hospital.

Deka’s ministerial colleague, Himanta Biswa Sarma said “I only know one thing people (Ministers and MLAs) should not make statements which hurt the sentiments of the common people. No Ministers and MLAs should make such comments, because Ministers and MLAs are here today because of the support of the common people.”

He added Delhi is pressing for a clean sweep in 2014 Lok Sabha elections in State but it will only materialize if the Congress leaders do not hurt people’s sentiments by making such insensitive comments.

Deka while talking to ET said that he is not worried about the nature of protest. “I will not apologize as I have not done anything wrong.”

The minister argued, “I will prove that meal for eight is possible in Rs 20. Within a week I will call a press conference and explain to everyone how it is possible.”

Opposition party Asom Gana Parishad (AGP) took jibe at Deka, party president Prafulla Kumar Mahanta remarked, "Let him (Deka) tell us how much he spends on each meal. In our state, we have recently witnessed that a mother sold her child because of extreme hunger. How can a senior minister speak like this.”