Opposition slams PM Modi’s 'puncture repair' remark, calls it insensitive, divisive
New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi's recent remarks about Muslim youth "repairing punctures" have sparked strong criticism from Opposition leaders across the political spectrum. Speaking at the inauguration of an airport in Hisar, Haryana, the Prime Minister alleged misuse of Waqf properties and suggested that honest use of these assets could have improved the livelihoods of Muslim youth.
“If Waqf properties had been used honestly, Muslim youths wouldn’t have to earn a living by repairing bicycle punctures,” the Prime Minister stated. He also alleged that land mafias benefited from these properties instead of the intended beneficiaries, including Dalits, backward communities, and widows. He said the recently amended Waqf law would curb such misuse.
Reacting sharply, AIMIM chief Asaduddin Owaisi hit back, questioning what the government had done for the poor—Hindus or Muslims—in its 11 years in power. He also accused the Centre of further weakening already fragile Waqf laws.
Congress MP Imran Pratapgarhi condemned the Prime Minister’s choice of words, calling it language typical of online trolls. “Muslims don’t just fix punctures. There are no jobs, and the youth are left with no other options. This doesn’t suit the stature of a Prime Minister,” he said.
Samajwadi Party leader Abu Azmi raised questions about BJP’s commitment to inclusivity, asking why the party does not give election tickets to Muslims.
Congress spokesperson Supriya Shrinate further questioned why PM Modi did not pay homage to Dr. B.R. Ambedkar on his birth anniversary and asked why BJP has not appointed a Dalit Chief Minister.
The Waqf Amendment Bill, now passed into law, was opposed by the Congress and other Opposition parties, who allege that the legislation targets the minority community and aims to seize control of Waqf properties. The BJP, however, maintains that the amendments are necessary for efficient management of these assets.
मोदी ने कहा कि अगर वक़्फ़ की संपत्तियों का ठीक से इस्तेमाल होता तो मुसलमान नौजवानों को पंक्चर नहीं बनाना पड़ता। अगर संघ परिवार की सोच और संपत्ति देशहित में इस्तेमाल होती, तो मोदी को चाय नहीं बेचनी पड़ती। पिछले 11 साल में मोदी ने ग़रीब भारतीयों — हिंदू या मुसलमान — के लिए क्या…
— Asaduddin Owaisi (@asadowaisi) April 14, 2025
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RSS has global network of over 2,500 groups for money laundering: Priyank Kharge
Bengaluru: Rural Development and Panchayat Raj Minister Priyank Kharge has alleged involvement of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) in a money transfer network at global level.
Posting his allegation on his personal ‘X’ account on Saturday morning, Kharge said that he was referring to an issue that had not been dealt with decisively by Indian media houses.
“Here is a crucial story that the Indian media will never touch,” the minister has said, and clarified, “This so-called “body of individuals” has built a global network of over 2,500 affiliated organisations. Through these fronts, the RSS collects “guru dakshina” to fuel its divisive agenda. (sic)”
Kharge has further alleged, “The world’s largest NGO is running amok, laundering money and evading accountability.”
The minister added, “Here is a map of their organisational architecture of their “Vichar Parivaar.” https://rssproject.caravanmagazine.in / @thecaravanindia”
