BJP MP Criticizes Congress President's Remarks on Gujarat Voters
BJP's Ravi Shankar Prasad Responds to Congress Leader's Comments
On April 7, BJP MP Ravi Shankar Prasad condemned Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge's statement suggesting that the people of Gujarat could be easily misled due to their lack of education. Prasad asserted that Kharge is unfit to lead a national party and demanded a public apology from him. Speaking at a press conference held at the BJP headquarters in New Delhi, Prasad labeled Kharge's remarks as the height of shamelessness and urged Congress MP Rahul Gandhi to distance himself from such statements.
Prasad Questions Kharge's Leadership
Prasad emphasized that elections come and go, but questioned whether Kharge had crossed all boundaries of decency. He stated, "I cannot even repeat his words. This is the pinnacle of shamelessness and lowliness. Is it appropriate for the president of a national party to label the people of a state as uneducated? Were Gandhi, Sardar Patel, Morarji Desai, and Vikram Sarabhai uneducated?"
Highlighting Gujarat's Literacy Rate
He pointed out that Gujarat's literacy rate stands at 82%, which has improved during Prime Minister Narendra Modi's tenure. Prasad questioned if Kharge's comments were fueled by hatred towards the Prime Minister and insisted that Kharge should apologize to the nation. He further stated that the BJP demands an apology and asked whether Sonia Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi agree with their party leader's statement. Prasad urged Rahul Gandhi to show wisdom by distancing himself from this comment and calling for an apology from Kharge, highlighting that Kharge had also referred to Bihar and Uttar Pradesh as illiterate.
Criticism of Kharge's Remarks on BJP and RSS
Prasad also criticized Kharge for labeling the BJP and the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) as poisonous snakes, accusing him of inciting communal tensions by provoking the religious sentiments of the Muslim community. He questioned, "Are you trying to create communal discord? You have openly and shamelessly fanned the flames of communal strife by stirring up the religious sentiments of the Muslim community. Rahul Gandhi's ancestors have criticized the RSS, yet the organization has reached new heights, with many of its members now serving as MPs. Look where you stand now! You must understand that the public does not appreciate such statements."