New Delhi: Appealing to end the “politics of hatred” in the country as communal tension flared up in Uttar Pradesh, Congress vice-president Rahul Gandhi on Saturday said he was “deeply saddened” to see divisiveness as “hatred has no place in our country.”
The Congress, on the other hand, accused the BJP of carrying out “pre-planned communal polarisation.”
Hitting out at the BJP, Congress spokesperson Anand Sharma said, “There is an attempt of communal polarisation in the country in a pre-planned manner. The BJP was saying different things during the election campaign, but they brought communal politics in a very subtle way. Now, it is brazen.”
Stating that religion “cannot be used” to create polarisation, Mr Sharma said that the Congress does not promote communal politics and respects all religions.
Mr Sharma, however, defended the Congress’ decision to hold a “peace march” in the UP town.
Congress leaders Madhusudan Mistry and Nagma were on Sat-urday detained in Ghaziabad when they were on their way to Moradabad to take part in the march.
Asked whether it was the BJP’s game-plan to bring President’s Rule in UP, Mr Sharma said, “I can’t speak for them as to what their conspiracy is. I can only comment on what is apparent on the surface.”
Meanwhile, expressing deep concern over the recent communal flare-up in different parts of the country, the JD(U) sought a “clear” stand from PM Narendra Modi on the issue. It also said that it would coordinate with non-NDA Opposition parties against “implementation of any hidden agenda of the government.”
JD(U) general secretary and party spokesman K.C. Tyagi, while referring to recent statements of Goa deputy CM, tension in UP and statements made by VHP leaders, said that his party would like to know whether Mr Modi acknowledges the statements of these leaders.
What leaders said
Rahul Gandhi: I am deeply saddened to hear of clashes in Saharanpur. This politics of hatred must end. I appeal to every one to remain calm and refrain from fanning communal passions
Anand Sharma: The BJP was saying different things during the election campaign, but they brought communal politics in a very subtle way. Now, it is brazen.”
K.C. Tyagi JD(U) leader: We will raise the question of the communal situation of the country in the Parliament and will coordinate with non-NDA parties against implementing the hidden agenda of the Centre
