New Delhi (Agency): Defence Minister Rajnath Singh addressed a public meeting in Ramdevra, Rajasthan, as part of the BJP’s Parivartan Yatra. During his speech, he criticized the opposition over DMK leader Udhayanidhi Stalin’s recent comments about Sanatan Dharma. Singh questioned the silence of Congress leaders like Sonia Gandhi, Rahul Gandhi, and Ashok Gehlot on the issue.
Singh’s remarks were made in reference to Udhayanidhi Stalin’s statements, in which he alleged that Sanatan Dharma was against equality and social justice, suggesting it should be eradicated. Udhayanidhi Stalin even likened Sanatan Dharma to diseases like coronavirus, malaria, and dengue fever, advocating for its destruction.
Expressing his concern, Singh asked why leaders from the Congress party, who are part of the INDIA alliance along with DMK, have not spoken out about these comments. He mentioned that the DMK’s stance has hurt Sanatan Dharma, and yet Congress leaders remain “silent” on this issue. Singh stated that the INDIA alliance should apologize for insulting Sanatan Dharma, emphasizing that if an apology is not offered, the country will not forgive them.
Singh also took a playful jab at Rahul Gandhi, referring to the successful landing of Chandrayaan-3 on the Moon’s south pole and humorously remarking that “Rahulyaan” couldn’t be launched or landed.
Addressing the alliance’s formation, Singh noted that the INDIA alliance was created to prevent Prime Minister Narendra Modi from returning to power. He criticized the choice of the alliance’s name, stating that it is “dangerous.” Singh explained that alliances should be formed to enhance the country’s respect and welfare, rather than being driven by political agendas. He reminded the audience of the BJP’s “India Shining” slogan during the 2004 Lok Sabha elections, which ultimately led to the BJP-led NDA’s defeat.
Singh commended the achievements of the country’s space missions, including Mangalyaan, Chandrayaan, and Aditya-L1, while also criticizing the Congress for raising questions about these achievements in a subdued manner.
In the context of the upcoming Rajasthan elections, Singh commented on the Congress party’s strategy of invoking the “Hindu-Muslim” and “backward” issues to gain support. He expressed confidence in the BJP’s victory in Rajasthan, emphasizing that the party’s triumph is inevitable.
The Parivartan Yatra, organized by the BJP, aims to cover 200 assembly constituencies, with various activities such as Kisan chaupals, motorcycle rallies, women’s meetings, dalit chaupals, and public gatherings to engage voters and seek support for the party. The third yatra, flagged off by Singh, will pass through 51 constituencies in Jodhpur division, Ajmer, and Nagaur districts over 18 days. This follows the launch of the first yatra by BJP President J P Nadda and the second by Union Home Minister Amit Shah. The fourth yatra will be launched by Union Road Transport and Highways Minister Nitin Gadkari.