Government decision to abolish Planning Commission 'dangerous': Aam Aadmi Party

AAP today slammed the government for its decision to abolish the Planning Commission and replace it with a new institution, saying the move was "dangerous" for the country as it will end a platform meant to review policies and programmes.

"Despite several shortcomings, the Planning Commission is a platform to review government's policies and programmes concerning the poor, dalits and tribals," AAP leader Yogendra Yadav said here.

"I am afraid after its abolishment, such a place where review of policies and programmes are done will end...The move is "dangerous" for the country," he said.

He, however, said that Planning Commission was plagued with red-tapism. "Planning Commission use to take some decisions," he added.

In his Independence Day address to the nation on Friday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said the government has decided to abolish the Planning Commission, a 64-year old apex policy making body, and replace it with a new institution to address the emerging economic needs and strengthen federal structure.

Meanwhile, reacting to the remarks of Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) patron Shanti Bhushan on Arvind Kejriwal lacking organisational ability, Yadav said that he chose the wrong platform to air his grievances. "Bhushan should have raked up the matter at party forum," Yadav said.

He, however, said AAP is a party which is "transparent" and does not hide any of its shortcomings from the public. "There are political outfits in the country which hide their shortcomings from the people," he said without taking any names.

In a sharp attack, Bhushan had on Thursday said, "Arvind (Kejriwal) is a great leader and a great campaigner, but in my opinion he lacks organisational ability."