In a heated exchange, BJP national spokesperson Shehzad Poonawalla criticised senior Congress leader Salman Khurshid over comments suggesting the potential for unrest in India similar to that seen in neighbouring Bangladesh. Poonawalla accused the Congress party of “inciting violence” and “undermining Bharat’s democratic institutions.”
“In their hatred for Modi, they hate Bharat,” Poonawalla wrote in a post on X (formerly Twitter). “Salman Khurshid and Congress draw parallels and incite or pray for the violence of Bangladesh to take place in Bharat? Does he want Hindus to be attacked in Bharat? Who is he signalling to? His family already said ‘Vote Jihad’ once, and now actual violence? Is this not undermining Bharat’s democratic institutions? Not the first time they put Rajniti above Rashtra niti. Will Congress act on him?”
In their hatred for Modi they hate Bharat
Salman Khursheed / Congress draws parallel & incites / prays for violence of Bangladesh to take place in Bharat?
Does he want Hindus to be attacked in Bharat? Who is he signalling to?His family already said Vote Jihad once..now… pic.twitter.com/jBLEb4pT7X
— Shehzad Jai Hind (Modi Ka Parivar) (@Shehzad_Ind) August 7, 2024
Khurshid’s Controversial Statement
Salman Khurshid, speaking at an event on Tuesday (August 6), had hinted at the possibility of anti-government protests in India similar to those in Bangladesh, despite an appearance of normalcy.
“Everything may look normal in Kashmir. Everything may look normal here. We may be celebrating the victory although some people believe that victory or success in 2024 was perhaps only marginal and a lot more needs to be done. The fact remains that beneath the surface, there is something. The fact remains that what happened in Bangladesh could happen here. The spread in our country prevents things from blowing up in the manner they have in Bangladesh,” Khurshid stated.
Opposition’s Allegations and Statements
Since the BJP returned to power, the opposition has frequently along with both domestic and foreign forces, attempted to instigate regime change in India. They have incited divisions based on caste, religion, reservations, and other sensitive issues.
For example, activist and politician Yogendra Yadav in January remarked, “We who commit to reclaim the republic have to radically rethink our politics. We need a new political language for a more robust & rooted defence of our Republican values. We must also shift from parliamentary opposition to politics of resistance.”
We who commit to reclaim the republic have to radically rethink our politics. We need a new political language for a more robust & rooted defence of our republican values.We must also shift from parliamentary opposition to politics of resistance.
My take:…
— Yogendra Yadav (@_YogendraYadav) January 27, 2024
In a report published in The Print, Yadav elaborated, “We must be conscious of our own culpability in the demise of the first republic. It is pointless to blame the RSS and the BJP for doing what has been their raison d’être. The onus must lie with those who pledged their allegiance to the Constitution of the First Republic. The gradual degeneration of secularism from the politics of conviction to convenience has contributed to this dismantling. The sheer arrogance of secular ideology, its disconnect with the people, its refusal to speak to people in their language and idiom has helped the delegitimisation of the very idea of secularism.”
Mani Shankar Aiyar’s Remark
Senior Congress leader Mani Shankar Aiyar also drew parallels between India’s situation and the violence-ridden circumstances in Bangladesh. In an interview with news agency IANS, Aiyar commented on India’s economic growth while highlighting persistent issues like unemployment and inequality, which he linked to the turmoil in Bangladesh.
Aiyar remarked, “Despite India’s economic growth, issues such as unemployment and inequality have increased, leading to turmoil in Bangladesh.” He pointed out that flaws have emerged in Bangladesh’s democracy, as evidenced by their elections, where opposition parties chose not to participate due to concerns about fairness. Aiyar noted, “Bangladesh’s elections saw opposition parties refraining from participating because of concerns about fairness. India hasn’t reached that stage yet, as our opposition parties are still participating in elections.”
He stated, “There are concerns about the legitimacy of our recent elections. An analysis by a citizens’ platform has pointed out discrepancies between the initial and final voter turnout figures in around 89 seats.”
After Salmn Khursheed then Sajjan Verma & now Mani Shankar Aiyyar draw parallel between Bharat & Bangladesh & incite / provoke similar scenes here
In Modi virodh they can do Bharat ka Virodh; undermine Bharat’s institutions..
This isn’t a Sanyog but a socha Samjha Prayog.. https://t.co/U3IV2xLcDl pic.twitter.com/aFoPopPeET
— Shehzad Jai Hind (Modi Ka Parivar) (@Shehzad_Ind) August 8, 2024
Aiyar’s comments did not sit well with the BJP, which accused him of undermining India’s democratic processes by comparing the country to its troubled neighbour. The BJP argued that such statements not only cast a shadow over India’s electoral integrity but also provide fodder for those looking to destabilise the nation.
In response to Aiyar’s remarks, BJP spokesperson Shehzad Poonawalla said, “Drawing parallels between India and Bangladesh is not just irresponsible but also dangerous. It undermines our democratic institutions and gives ammunition to those who wish to see India destabilised. The Congress party should focus on constructive criticism rather than making statements that can harm the nation’s image and unity.”
Verma’s Controversial Comments
Adding to the controversy, former minister Sajjan Singh Verma recently suggested that unrest similar to that in Bangladesh could occur in India. Speaking in Indore, Verma stated, “The angry people entered the house of the Sri Lankan Prime Minister. Now, the public entered the house of the Bangladesh Prime Minister. The same thing will happen in India because people are fed up with the BJP’s wrong policies and corruption.”
Verma’s comments drew sharp criticism, with Panchayat and Rural Development Minister Prahlad Patel labelling the statement as “smacking of treason.”
Verma added, “Remember Narendra Modi ji, one day people will enter the Prime Minister’s residence because of your wrong policies and will occupy it. It happened recently in Sri Lanka (in 2022), where people entered the Prime Minister’s (President’s) house, and then in Bangladesh, and now it is India’s turn.”
Sick!
Another Congress leadar after Salman Khurshid wishes Bangladesh like violence in India!
Sajjan Singh Verma,Congress wishes Bangladesh like situation in India.
Sick of Congress!
Who is Congress in touch with ?
People of India should be wary of Congress party’s Divide… pic.twitter.com/57z32cTjJb
— Pradeep Bhandari(प्रदीप भंडारी)🇮🇳 (@pradip103) August 7, 2024
The government is reportedly planning to take action against Verma for his remarks, with police officers asked to examine the situation.
The comments made by the Congress and other opposition parties highlight the deep political divides in India. As accusations fly and the rhetoric heats up, the focus remains on the implications for India’s democratic institutions and the potential for unrest.
