Maharashtra Legislative Assembly witnessed a massive clash between the ruling and Opposition parties on Monday, as the latter demanded an apology from the chief minister for his statement that “those
Maharashtra Legislative Assembly witnessed a massive clash between the ruling and Opposition parties on Monday, as the latter demanded an apology from the chief minister for his statement that “those who can’t praise Bharat Mata don’t have the right to live in this country.” Responding to the Opposition’s demands, Mr Fadnavis said he would keep chanting Bharat Mata ki Jai whether he remains the chief minister or not.
Speaking at a BJP workers’ rally in Nashik last week, Mr Fadnavis had said, “There are crores of people in this country who feel one must say ‘Bharat Mata Ki Jai’ and those who can’t praise Bharat Mata don’t have the right to live in this country.”
After the Question Hour in the Assembly ended, Leader of Opposition Radhakrishna Vikhe Patil moved an adjournment motion saying that minorities today are being made to prove their patriotism and that the CM should apologise for his statements.
”The CM’s statement on everyone chanting Bharat Mata ki Jai is not right. Today there are so many issues plaguing the state but the CM is focusing on these statements and Minorities are having to prove their patriotism by chanting the slogans. All this is being done to divert people’s attention from real issues,” Mr Vikhe Patil said.
Following this, members of the Opposition parties started waiving the National Flag in the Assembly and demanded an apology from the CM.
Following a ruckus in the Assembly, Mr Fadnavis responded by saying that that if they had heard his whole speech, they would not have raised this issue.
“There is no question of a dispute over the issue as it is not related to any particular religion or caste because I salute those highly respected 500 Muslim clerics who not only did hoist the national flag at Mahim Dargah but also chanted Bharat Mata Ki Jai with the feeling of nationalism and patriotism on March 17 on the occasion of 603rd Urs of Hajrat Makhdum Fateh Ali Mahimi,” he said.
“At the Wagah border, soldiers only sing Vande Mataram and chant Bharat Mata ki Jai. There is no religion there,” he said. “Whether or not I remain the CM, I will keep chanting Bharat Mata ki Jai. The Congress is only taking up this issue to please their high command,” he added.
