Union Minister Anurag Thakur expressed concern over what he sees as attempts to disrespect Sanatan Dharma (Hinduism) and criticized Congress leader Rahul Gandhi and Shiv Sena leader Uddhav Thackeray for their silence on the matter.
Nagpur: Union Minister Anurag Thakur expressed concerns over perceived insults to Sanatan Dharma and criticized Congress leader Rahul Gandhi and Shiv Sena’s Uddhav Thackeray for their silence on the issue.
The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader Thakur’s comments came amidst a political controversy ignited by DMK leader Udhayanidhi Stalin’s allegations against Sanatan Dharma, accusing it of promoting division and discrimination among people, and calling for its eradication. Additionally, DMK leader A Raja drew parallels between Sanatan Dharma and diseases like leprosy and HIV, citing social stigma.
In response to questions about Rahul Gandhi’s statement, in which he claimed to have read Upanishads and the Bhagavad Gita and criticized the BJP, Thakur urged the opposition to address insults directed at Sanatan Dharma.
Thakur stated, “The opposition needs to break its silence regarding insults to Sanatan Dharma. Their focus seems to be solely on disparaging Sanatan Dharma. This reflects their mindset, and there are continuous efforts aimed at demeaning it.”
Regarding Rahul Gandhi’s remarks concerning the “India versus Bharat” debate, Thakur accused some individuals of habitually “spreading fear, confusion, and falsehoods.” He suggested that this behavior had been a constant throughout their lives.
Thakur also commented on Uddhav Thackeray’s statement, where he expressed concerns about a “Godhra-like” incident potentially occurring after the inauguration of the Ram Temple in Ayodhya, Uttar Pradesh. Thakur claimed that some individuals had abandoned their principles in pursuit of power.
“I am uncertain about what Balasaheb (the late Shiv Sena founder and Uddhav Thackeray’s father) would think today and what Uddhav ji is doing today in the quest for power. Neither Rahul ji nor Uddhav ji uttered a word when derogatory remarks were made about Sanatan Dharma,” added Thakur.
Mr. Thackeray on Sunday voiced concerns about a “Godhra-like” incident during the “return journey” of numerous people expected to gather in Ayodhya from across the country for the Ram Temple’s inauguration. The temple is expected to be inaugurated in January 2024, ahead of the upcoming Lok Sabha elections.
On February 27, 2002, a group of ‘karsevaks’ returning from Ayodhya was attacked, and their train coach was set on fire at the Godhra station in Gujarat, resulting in multiple fatalities and triggering widespread riots across the state.
