‘Ye padhe likhe moorkh hain,’ Hardeep Singh Puri blasts former IAS officers for criticising the Central Vista Project

Highlighting why administerial reforms are necessary in the bureaucracy of the country, Union Minister for Housing & Urban Affairs Hardeep Singh Puri yesterday (May 31) blasted former IAS officers for penning an ‘open letter’ that criticised the Central Vista Project on grounds that the government initiated the project for ‘superstitious’ reasons. Puri was holding a press conference and his thunderous monologue came after the Delhi High Court ruled that the Central Vista project is of national importance and allowed the construction work to continue.

Reportedly, sixty former bureaucrats had written the letter to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Puri. The letter stated, “…this project (Central Vista) began if reports are to be believed, because of a superstitious belief that the present Parliament building is ‘unlucky’, as well as with the thought of leaving a particular government and its leader’s impress on the architecture of Delhi.”

Hardeep picked up the statement and tore apart the bureaucrats for giving such a ludicrous reason. “This project began, if reports are to be believed, because of a superstitious belief that the present Parliament building is ‘unlucky’. How someone can put their signature on this bizarre letter defies logic!” said the Minister.

Arguing that the real reason for starting the project was the dilapidated condition of the parliament, Hardeep said, “The parliament was designed for fewer people. We are making a bigger parliament building for the people of India. I think some of these guys need to have their head examined before they sign letters like this.”

Hardeep Singh Puri remarked that it is with anguish he has to say that these (letter signatories) are not educated fools (padhe likhe moorkh) but a disgrace to the country. Puri also quipped that while the letter was floated as an open letter on social media platforms, it never reached him or his office. It was only when he was preparing for the press conference that his colleagues showed him the letter.

Later, the union minister also tore into the open letter where the former bureaucrats raised questions that citizens would be deprived of open space for recreational activities. “Here are a few more gems from our 60 Vidvaans! Once the Central Vista Avenue redevelopment is complete there will be even more space for recreation & for Mummy, Daddy & Pappu to have ice cream there. #OpenLetter”, tweeted Puri.

Lately, in what can be termed as a change of stance from the centre, Hardeep Puri has been batting on the front foot to call out anyone that seems to be manufacturing false news against the Central Vista project. Earlier, the centre under Modi government used to keep mum even if the opposition went to untoward lengths to further their propaganda.

When Times of India published a fake story about the project when even designs have not been approved, Hardeep Singh Puri called out the national daily for its false reportage.

“Amusing! Unless a leading news daily has decided to go ahead with the project on its own, its report on the front page has no basis. Conceptual designs of PM Residence have still not been presented to the Ministry.” tweeted Puri.

The former bureaucrats of the country and a particular section of it has been hyperactive and batting for the opposition with an enthusiasm hitherto unseen. However, by aggressively calling out the lobby, Puri has set a precedent.