Nagpur: Guardian minister Chandrashekhar Bawankule on Monday strongly criticized Congress leader Vijay Wadettiwar for his remarks linking the assassination attempt on US President Donald Trump to public unrest, suggesting a similar situation in India. Bawankule accused Wadettiwar of making an outrageous comparison between Trump and Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
Bawankule's Response to Wadettiwar's Statement
Bawankule stated, "If Wadettiwar is linking Trump with Modi ji, then he is making a very big mistake. Wadettiwar should understand India's culture and values. Modi Ji's importance in the hearts and minds of people is there for everyone to see. His popularity is unprecedented and Wadettiwar should know this."
He asserted that no Indian, regardless of party affiliation or ideology, would agree with Wadettiwar's comparison. "140 crore Indians can never think like this about Modi ji as he enjoys a huge trust quotient. Comparing Trump with Modi is outrageous," Bawankule added.
Allegations of Internal Congress Rivalry
The minister alleged that Wadettiwar's remarks were driven by internal wrangling within the Congress party rather than genuine conviction. "In Maharashtra, Congress leaders are competing with each other to make statements to hog limelight. Sometimes Wadettiwar is ahead in this race, sometimes Nana Patole nudges ahead and sometimes it is Harshvardhan Sapkal," said Bawankule.
He further claimed that Wadettiwar's statements were specifically meant to appease Rahul Gandhi. "Wadettiwar wanted to gain brownie points and must have sent him this first thing in the morning," Bawankule remarked.
On Dhirendra Shastri's Apology
Regarding the apology by Dhirendra Shastri over his remarks on Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, Bawankule said India's culture is one of forgiveness and appealed to protesters to scale down their agitation. "Since he has apologised, people should forgive him with a big heart," he said.
He emphasized the importance of presenting correct history. "Correct history of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj should be placed before people. Making statements that hurt people is not right," Bawankule added.
Defense of Shastri's Remark on RSS
On Shastri's suggestion to have four children and give one to the RSS, Bawankule offered a defense. "When the country faces a crisis, many run away. At such a time, RSS volunteers stand with conviction and fight that crisis. The sentiment was that if more volunteers are present, they will help the government manage society. So, one person from each family should be in RSS — that was his sentiment, in the interest of the country," he explained.
