Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, in an attack on Congress leader Rahul Gandhi and a veiled reference to India's first Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru, has said that “they (the Nehru-Gandhi family) happen to call themselves Hindus”.
Speaking to ANI on April 29, the BJP leader said, “People who do not know the history and geography of India will definitely make such irrelevant comments. When I talk about Rahul Gandhi, I remember that these people once misfortune called Hindus.”
Also read | Rahul Gandhi talks about women's unpaid domestic labor; netizens applaud: 'Indian male politician has…'
“India has a rich tradition and our sages, Maharajas, and every section of society have contributed in their respective fields… Rahul ji never remembered the atrocities of the Mughals, who left no stone unturned to Islamize India… .It is a pity that those who happen to call themselves Hindus cannot feel pride in the heritage of India…' he added.
Did Nehru really say 'accidental Hindu'?
According to a fact check by Alt News, the first reference to this alleged remark appears in 1959 and can be attributed to politician NB Khare. Academics credit Khare for making this comment regarding Jawaharlal Nehru.
Look | Do Rahul Gandhi and Congress really want to redistribute the people's wealth? | Mint Fact Check
The fact-check revealed Nehru's own words about Hinduism in the 1929 Indian National Congress resolution demanding 'purna swaraj' from the British. In his INC presidential address in Lahore, Nehru said the following about Hinduism:
“I was born a Hindu, but I don't know how much right I have to call myself that or speak for Hindus. But birth still counts in this country and by birthright I dare to submit to the leaders of the Hindus that it should be their prerogative to take the lead in generosity. Generosity is not only good morality, but often good politics and healthy opportunism. And it is inconceivable to me that the Hindus in a free India can ever be powerless are.'
PM Modi takes 'Aurangzeb' jibe at Rahul Gandhi
Adityanath's comments came as the BJP and Congress exchanged arguments after Prime Minister Narendra Modi claimed that Gandhi “does not remember people (Mughals) who destroyed our religious places”.
Also read | Prime Minister Modi's attack on Congress's Rahul says India will not become an autocracy if Yuvraj cannot automatically get power
Following this, Congress General Secretary Jairam Ramesh accused Modi of 'maliciously distorting' every statement made by Gandhi to 'inflame communal passions'.
Also read | 'PM Modi may soon shed tears…' Rahul Gandhi says 'the PM seems nervous these days'
“The Prime Minister is more than just pathetic. He maliciously and mischievously distorts every statement of Rahul Gandhi to incite, inflame and inflame communal prejudices and passions. His departure is inevitable and the realization of this makes him increasingly desperate. campaign speeches are actually embarrassing,” Ramesh wrote on social media site X (formerly known as Twitter).
Unlock a world of benefits! From insightful newsletters to real-time inventory management, breaking news and a personalized news feed – it's all there, just one click away! Log in now!
View all political news and updates on DailyExertNews. Download the Mint News app for daily market updates and live business news.
. or less
Published: Apr 29, 2024 11:54am IST