New Delhi (Agency): Union Home Minister Amit Shah, on Sunday, made a striking comment about the opposition alliance, comparing it to an “old wine in old bottle.” His sharp remarks were directed towards a union of 26 opposition parties, which are gearing up for the 2024 Lok Sabha elections under the banner of the Indian National Developmental Inclusive Alliance (INDIA). Their aim is to challenge the dominance of the Bharatiya Janata Party-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA).
Speaking at an event in Mansa town, Gujarat, where he inaugurated the foundation for a new regional centre of the National Security Guard (NSG), Shah criticized the opposition, especially Congress. He stated, “During the Congress’ governance, India’s global economic rank stagnated at 11th. However, under Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the nation surged to the 5th position.”
Delving deeper into the allegations of corruption, Shah expressed, “The UPA and Congress are a group of leaders involved in Rs 12 lakh crore corruption. Even though they’ve rebranded, they should be recognized for their past. Who would support a group associated with a scam of such magnitude?” He continued by saying, “We often hear ‘Old wine in a new bottle.’ But in this situation, both the wine and the bottle are aged. Citizens shouldn’t be misled. With Prime Minister Modi at the helm, BJP is determined to secure a decisive victory.”
Shah further discussed the essence of patriotism. While acknowledging that many today didn’t witness India’s fight for independence, he stressed the importance of living with a spirit of nationalism. He urged, “Instead of dreaming about dying for the country, let’s live for it.” Encouraging familial values, he added, “We should bring up at least five children filled with patriotism, who are dedicated to our nation’s language, literature, and culture.”
The Union Home Minister also addressed the topic of preserving local languages and cultures. Using the example of the Gujarati language, he said, “While English is important, it’s our duty to keep our native languages like Gujarati thriving.” He emphasized the link between language, recognition of one’s roots, and dedication to the nation. Shah expressed concern about the younger generation potentially losing touch with India’s rich 15,000-year-old cultural heritage.
In his concluding remarks, Shah praised India’s historical global influence. He said, “India has been a beacon of knowledge and guidance for thousands of years.” He concluded by inspiring the audience to envision and work towards an India that excels in various fields – from education and space to security and the economy.