It was Indira Gandhi's birth anniversary when India lost World Cup final, says Assam CM
Hyderabad, Nov 22: Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Wednesday gave a new twist to the ongoing political row over India's loss in the cricket World Cup final, saying that the final was played on Indira Gandhi's birth anniversary.
Sarma, who addressed an election rally here, alleged that the opposition parties are "in cahoots" with those opposed to Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
He said he would like to tell the BCCI that it should ensure in future that a final match is not organised on the day which coincides with the birthday of a Nehru-Gandhi family member.
"That day India vs Australia World Cup match happened. We were winning every game. Lost the final. Then I came and saw. What was that day? Why we lost? We are Hindus and I go according to the day, etc. Then I saw the world cup final was played on such a day which was also Indira Gandhi's birth anniversary," he said.
"The World Cup final was held on Indira Gandhi's birth anniversary and the country lost. That's why, I want to tell the BCCI that if you have a world cup final game, make a calculation. That day should not be linked to the Gandhi family. Otherwise, the country will lose," he said.
He asked the gathering to search on the internet about the day the final match was played which happened to be Indira Gandhi's birth anniversary.
That's why he tells all and the BCCI to ensure that the final "should not be (held on) any birthday of Gandhi family," he said.
"Otherwise, there will be trouble," he said.
Indira Gandhi imposed Emergency in the country, he added.
Sarma, however, did not make any reference to Congress leader Rahul Gandhi's comments of "PM means Panauti Modi".
A political row broke out on Tuesday with Congress leader Rahul Gandhi saying "PM means Panauti Modi", insinuating that Prime Minister Narendra Modi brings bad luck, with the BJP denouncing his comment as "shameful and disgraceful" and demanding an apology.
Prime Minister Modi attended the World Cup final in Ahmedabad.
Referring to the row over AIMIM MLA Akbaruddin Owaisi allegedly threatening a police official, Sarma asked the gathering whether anyone would have the courage to "abuse the police" if a BJP government is formed in Telangana.
Sarma, who was addressing the rally at Charminar here, said "appeasement politics" would come to an end in Telangana if a BJP government is formed once.
"I was surprised when somebody showed me this video in the airport. By watching that video, I felt whether democracy is functioning in the country or mughal or razakar rule is still going on in the country," he said.
He alleged that the Congress and the ruling BRS were working to appease one section of society as if others don't exist in the state.
Calling for a change of government in Telangana, he said a BJP government under the leadership of PM Modi should be formed in the state.
Referring to the conflict between Israel and Hamas, he asked whether Congress leaders Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi Vadra spoke against Hamas.
"Their fear is that if they speak against Hamas, then the Hamas inside the country would be unhappy with them," he claimed.
On the proposed law to end polygamy in Assam, he said they plan to bring it by February next year.
Sarma also said the name of Hyderabad can be changed as Bhagyanagar "in half an hour" if a BJP government is formed in Telangana though it appears to be a tough task now.
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People are voting fearlessly in West Bengal this time: PM Modi
Hardoi (UP) (PTI): Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday said voters
are casting their vote in West Bengal this time in a "fearless atmosphere", which was unimaginable in the past six or seven decades.
He also asserted that the assembly poll results on May 4 will further strengthen the resolve of a developed India.
Voting is underway in 142 constituencies of West Bengal in the second and final phase of polling.
Addressing a gathering after the inauguration of the Ganga Expressway here, Modi said today marks an important day in the festival of democracy.
"Voting for the second phase is underway in Bengal, and reports indicate a massive turnout, with people stepping out in large numbers just like in the first phase. Images of long queues at polling stations are flooding social media, reflecting the enthusiasm of the people to exercise their democratic right," he said.
"What we are witnessing in Bengal today is unprecedented which was difficult to imagine in the past six to seven decades, a fearless environment where people are voting without fear," he said.
The prime minister said this is a powerful symbol of the country's Constitution and the strengthening of democracy.
"I express my gratitude to the great people of Bengal for being so aware of their rights and participating in large numbers," he said.
With several hours of voting still left, the prime minister urged the people of Bengal to continue participating in this democratic festival with the same enthusiasm.
Modi said in the recent Bihar Assembly elections, the BJP and NDA achieved a historic and decisive victory.
"Just yesterday, results of local body elections in Gujarat showed that the BJP secured victories in nearly 80 to 85 percent of municipalities and panchayats.
"The results on May 4 will further strengthen the resolve of a developed India and will infuse new energy into the pace of development of the country."
The first phase of polling for 152 seats -- out of the 294-member West Bengal assembly -- was held on April 23.
The counting of votes for assembly polls in Kerala, West Bengal, Puducherry, Assam and Tamil Nadu will take place on May 4.
