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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UP Cong holds statewide protest seeking probe into FIR against Swami Avimukteshwaranand
Lucknow (PTI): The Uttar Pradesh Congress on Wednesday staged a statewide protest demanding a fair and transparent inquiry into the FIR lodged against Swami Avimukteshwaranand Saraswati and those who filed the complaint against him.
In a statement issued here, the party said memorandums addressed to Prime Minister Narendra Modi were submitted through district magistrates in all districts of the state.
Uttar Pradesh Congress spokesperson Manish Hindvi told PTI that the memorandums were handed over through the district administration in all 75 districts.
In the memorandum, the party alleged that Saraswati and his disciples were "unnecessarily harassed and humiliated" by police on the occasion of Amavasya and were prevented from taking a ritual bath (at the Magh Mela). It further alleged that some disciples were manhandled and taken to a police station.
The memorandum also claimed that an FIR was later registered against Saraswati, his disciple Swami Mukundanand Brahmachari and several unidentified persons in a sexual harassment case. It termed the case a "conspiracy" aimed at tarnishing the seer's reputation.
Citing Articles 25 and 26 of the Constitution, the memorandum stated that these provisions guarantee religious freedom and the right of religious denominations to manage their own affairs.
It described the position of shankaracharya held by Saraswati as "one of the highest spiritual posts in Sanatan tradition" and alleged that the entire episode appeared to have been "orchestrated in a planned manner".
"We request that the background of the persons who got the FIR registered be investigated in a transparent manner by a retired high court judge and strict action be taken against them," the memorandum said.
It also sought a "fair and transparent probe" into the allegations levelled against Saraswati so that the truth could be established.
Earlier, Uttar Pradesh Congress president Ajay Rai had told reporters in Varanasi after meeting Saraswati that the party stood firmly with him.
The Congress said it would continue to press for an impartial inquiry into the entire episode.
On February 21, an FIR was lodged in Prayagraj against Saraswati and his disciple Mukundanand Brahmachari on charges of sexually abusing two persons, including a minor, over the past year at a gurukul and religious congregations, including the recently concluded Magh Mela.
Days after he was booked, Saraswati had said on Monday that he would not oppose his arrest and asserted that the "fabricated story" would be exposed sooner or later.
At a press conference on Wednesday, Saraswati alleged that criminals rule in Uttar Pradesh, level allegations and influence investigations, as he denied having any contact with the two persons for whose alleged sexual abuse he has been booked.
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