The Hindu : New Delhi News : Debate on age frivolous: Abidi

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Monday, Apr 26, 2004

New Delhi

New Delhi

Debate on age frivolous: Abidi

By Our Staff Reporter

NEW DELHI, APRIL 25. While both the Bharatiya Janata Party and Congress candidates contesting for the New Delhi Constituency here, exchanged words about age, yet another candidate in the same constituency has stepped into the debate.

"Distressed'' at Delhi Assembly Speaker, Ajay Maken's remarks on Union Minister of Tourism and Culture, Jagmohan's age, the convenor of the Disability Rights Group, Javed Abidi, who is contesting as an independent candidate, has said that stooping to such a level for vote bank politics was not called for.

"We have always linked old age and disability. You cannot make fun of your opponent on basis of age. He is picking on the age issue because according to India's profile, the youth population is the highest. He should not fall to this level for the sake of vote bank politics. Also Mr. Jagmohan should not have responded to the remark,'' said Mr. Abidi.

Calling the exchange an "acrimonious level of nonsense'', Mr. Abidi said this revealed the two had nothing new to talk about.

"This means that they have nothing fresh to discuss. As a voter, I want to hear new things, something different. Instead they are debating on such a frivolous issue. I would like to advise both of them to concentrate on issues and convince the electorate as to how would they be a better serving Member of Parliament than me to the people of New Delhi constituency,'' he said.

He has also invited the BJP and Congress candidates for an open debate "at a place and time of their choosing''.

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