New Delhi: Expressing concern over the worsening condition of infrastructure in the national capital, veteran leader Vijay Goyal said that the inflow of migrants from Uttar Pradesh and Bihar to Delhi in huge numbers is the prime reason behind the fiasco.

He was debating over Delhi budget in the Rajya Sabha.

News agency IANS reported Goel saying, “every day more migrants come to Delhi. Most of them are from Bihar and Uttar Pradesh. They come here because they don't have employment opportunities in their states.”

"These migrants settle in slums, which later become unauthorised colonies. If we have to solve the problems of Delhi, we need to stop this inflow of migrants," he said.

He also added that respective state governments should also open up better educational institutes in their areas so that youngsters are not forced to shift their base to Delhi.

Talking to Daily Bhaskar, leader Manish Sisodia said, " it's a highly irresponsible statement that should be condemned heavily. Delhi is not only a city but national capital as well, which is free for all citizens of the country to travel and search employment opportunities. The statement is made on the similar lines as by Shiela Dixit some time back."

However, Vijay Goel claims that his statement has been misinterpreted completely.

A sitting MLA from BJP, on request of anonymity, however, said that it is Goel's personal view on the issue and party doesn't share the same notion.

Reactions on

Twitter was abuzz with reaction over the BJP leader's remarks. Here are some of the interesting : Gaurav Kapoor (@nakalcheebandar): Maybe Vijay Goel forgets that UP & Bihar together are 100 seats in Lok Sabha...your BJP MPs from those areas, yours...well played dodo. Shashank Sneham (@shashank_sneham): @narendramodi Sir, we want strict action against this Vijay Goel. Otherwise this will affect BJP in the upcoming Bihar elections dearly. Your Delhi (@YourDelhi_): Dear All, People like Vijay Goel are too afraid to stand up to what they said and what they really mean. He should take a stand. ashutosh (@ashutosh83B): Vijay Goel's statement proves Why BJP supports Shiv Sena and Raj Thackeray and their violence Ag North Indians in Mumbai. The issue also rocked Parliament on Friday. Congress leader Mahabal Mishra slammed Goel for what it called the Raj Thackeray like attitude'. "No one owns a claim over Delhi, Vijay Goel should offer unconditional appology," he said in Upper House.

Image: Vijay Goel/PTI