MP BJP ministers comment on Rahul-Priyanka relationship; whip up controversy as Opposition reacts
Bhopal: The controversy that rose following Madhya Pradesh Minister Kailash Vijayvargiya's comments on Lok Sabha Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi and his sister Priyanka Gandhi Vadra has intensified with Minister Vijay Shah openly supporting Vijayvargiya during an event in Khandwa.
Criticizing public displays of affection between the Gandhi siblings, Shah said it was not a part of Indian culture. “Our civilization, customs and traditions do not teach this. Whatever they teach, practice it in your own homes, not at public places,” the minister stated, on lines similar to those of Vijayvargiya.
Pointing to a fellow legislator Kanchan Tanve, Shah continued his speech, “She is also my real sister, so would I kiss her in public? Indian culture and civilization do not teach this.”
Taking objection to both Vijayvargiya's and Shah's statements, the Congress held statewide protests in Madhya Pradesh. Effigies of Vijayvargiya were burnt and Shah was slammed for supporting him.
Congress spokesperson KK Mishra called it unfortunate that BJP ministers who use derogatory language faced no legal action.
State Congress President Jitu Patwari termed Mr Vijayvargiya's comments "disgusting" and "a direct challenge to India's culture, tradition, and the sacred brother-sister relationship." He also demanded that both ministers resign. Further, Patwari accused Mr Vijayvargiya of being frustrated at not becoming Chief Minister and said, "At the age of 70, he is making absurd statements, insulting our culture and women alike."
The controversy however, has intensified as Shah has backed Vijayvargiya openly and both the Cabinet ministers have been accused of distorting cultural values for political gains, while the opposition intensifies its campaign to corner the ruling BJP on issues of dignity, language, and respect for women.
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Heatwave scorches Odisha, Jharsuguda reels under 43.6 degrees C
Bhubaneswar (PTI): Heatwave conditions scorched Odisha on Tuesday, with the IMD forecasting that hot and humid conditions would continue in parts of the state.
The IMD’s Bhubaneswar centre said Balasore, Bhadrak, Jajpur, Kendrapara, Cuttack, Jagatsinghpur, Puri, Khurda, Nayagarh, Ganjam and Gajapati districts were likely to experience hot and humid conditions on April 22.
It also predicted thunderstorms accompanied by lightning and gusty surface winds in parts of Mayurbhanj, Keonjhar, Puri, Khurda, Nayagarh, Ganjam, Gajapati, Rayagada and Koraput, among others.
On Tuesday, 18 places across Odisha recorded maximum temperatures of 40 degrees Celsius or above. The industrial town of Jharsuguda was the hottest in the state at 43.6 degrees Celsius.
Sambalpur and Titlagarh recorded 42.5 degrees Celsius each, followed by Hirakud at 42.4 degrees, Bolangir at 42.2 degrees and Angul at 42.1 degrees.
The twin cities of Bhubaneswar and Cuttack recorded 37.9 degrees Celsius and 38.8 degrees Celsius, respectively, with relative humidity levels remaining above 70 per cent.
Meanwhile, the state government directed all district education officers to conduct a Summer Learning Programme for students till class 8 in government schools during the summer vacation.
Officials said students would be given practice assignments along with audio-visual learning content.
Subject-wise assignment sheets have been prepared, while related digital material will be shared through school parents' WhatsApp groups using a chatbot system, they said.
