PM Modi scared of 2002 riots truth coming out, blocking of BBC documentary undemocratic: Congress
New Delhi, Jan 20: The Congress on Friday alleged that Prime Minister Narendra Modi is still scared of the truth of the 2002 riots coming out and the "blocking" of the BBC documentary "blaming him for the pogrom is a cowardly and undemocratic act".
The opposition party also said that no matter how much the Modi government tries to "cover up" the truth, the world sees the truth.
"Narendra Modi is still scared of the truth about 2002 coming out 21 years later. The blocking of the BBC documentary that squarely blames him for the pogrom is a cowardly, undemocratic act, one that clearly shows Modi's dictatorial attitude," AICC general secretary organisation K C Venugopal said.
After British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak defended PM Modi, Congress secretary Ashish Dua asked, "Has Rishi Sunak watched the 'rigourously researched' BBC documentary on Gujarat or has the Hon. PM spoken with (former British foreign secretary) Jack Straw for the perspective put by him in public domain?"
Another Congress spokesperson Shama Mohamed said, "The BBC documentary reveals that the UK govt inquiry held Narendra Modi 'Directly Responsible' for the 2002 Gujarat Riots."
"No matter how much the BJP government may try to cover up the truth, the world sees Modi for what he truly is!," she tweeted.
TMC leader Derek O'Brien shared a link of the BBC documentary on YouTube and said, "So, the BBC documentary (Part 1) which I posted has, as expected, been taken down from YouTube. Let's see how many more times BJP get it deleted."
"The one-hour prog exposes Narendra Modi's hate for minorities," he said.
Amid controversy over the BBC documentary on Prime Minister Modi, India had on Thursday dismissed it as a "propaganda piece", saying it is designed to push a particular "discredited narrative" and that the continuing colonial mindset is "blatantly visible" in the series.
External Affairs Ministry Spokesperson Arindam Bagchi also wondered about the purpose of the documentary and the "agenda" behind it and said "frankly we do not wish to dignify such efforts".
The two-part BBC documentary "India: The Modi Question" claims it investigated certain aspects relating to the 2002 Gujarat riots when Modi was the chief minister of the state.
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Minister Madhu Bangarappa invites JDS MLA to join Congress during public event
Shivamogga: Shivamogga District In-charge Minister Madhu Bangarappa performed a Gudali Puja on Sunday for the development of Barehalla and Hi Hole Dams in the taluk, along with road development work in Puradalu village.
At the program, Madhu Bangarappa extended an invitation to JDS MLA Sharada Pooryanayaka to join the Congress party, using an English proverb to make his point.
"Sharada Pooryanayaka loves me very much. But when elections come, it becomes very difficult. Now we have power. That is why I am calling her to join our party. Our father always said that when it is hot, we should dry the grass. Now that it is hot, my sister should make a decision," he said, extending an open offer to the JDS leader.
Bangarappa emphasized that providing facilities for the Sharavati flood victims is the government's duty. He noted that the dam built for these victims in Puradalu village was damaged due to excessive rainfall. To address this, he announced the launch of development work worth Rs. 3 crore, fulfilling his previous promises.
He stated that while the government is allocating funds for guaranteed schemes, it is also ensuring grants for developmental projects. "As a minister, I am responsible for providing quality education to children. I am working with great emphasis on education. Since the education department is vast, everyone is cooperating," he said.
The minister urged parents to ensure their children's education is not disrupted due to frequent holidays. He also mentioned that a facial attendance system is being considered to monitor school attendance more effectively.
Instead of focusing on building large temples in villages, he stressed the importance of constructing bigger schools, stating that "If schools are built big, God will bless them."
MLA Sharada Pooryanayaka stated that priority is being given to the development of villages in the Sharavati floodplain area. She also acknowledged the efforts of Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar and thanked District In-charge Minister Madhu Bangarappa for securing funds for the Barehalla and Hi Hole Dam development.
Puradalu Gram Panchayat Vice President H.S. Pradeep delivered the introductory remarks.
The event was attended by Congress District President R. Prasanna Kumar, State Bhovi Development Corporation President S. Ravikumar, Guarantee Schemes Authority District President Chandrabhupal, and Congress leaders Kalgodu Ratnakar, G.D. Manjunath, Dr. Srinivas Karianna, Y.H. Nagaraj, as well as Puradalu and Agasavalli Gram Panchayat Presidents and members.
