Babbar raises objection on 'no-fly zone' for Obama visit

Bhopal, Jan 24: Senior Congress leader Raj Babbar today raised objections on no-fly zone imposed over New Delhi and Agra for US President Barack Obama's visit.

"We are capable of securing our skies and our guests, but it is being mortgaged in the hands of foreign powers," Babbar told reporters here after releasing Congress party's manifesto for the Bhopal Municipal Corporation elections, scheduled for January 31.

"It is a matter of happiness that a guest is coming, but the way he is coming is known to everyone. Earlier as well, guests had visited the country and they were all given due protection by the country," the former MP said, referring to intense safety measures being taken for Obama's visit. When asked whether Congress is opposing the visit of Obama, he clarified that he has not stated so.

"Obama is welcome to the city of love, Taj Mahal in Agra," Babbar said. Madhya Pradesh Committee President, Arun Yadav and former Union Minister and senior party leader, Suresh Pachouri among others were present on the occasion. Pachouri said that if voted to power in the upcoming polls, they will introduce Metro and Mono rail transport system in Bhopal, provide 24X7 water supply, launch broadband and 4G services in all the 85 wards and construct six flyovers in the state capital.

PTI