The difference between the ruling BJP and their ally in Maharashtra, Shiv Sena are now turning out to be rather embarrassing for Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
Sena spokesperson Sanjay Raut on Wednesday said, Modi’s opposition to Ghulam Ali’s concert in Mumbai as “unfortunate”.
The world knows Narendra Modi due to Godhra and we respect him for the same reason. If the same Narendra Modi has called the controversy surrounding Ghulam Ali and (former Pakistan minister) Khurshid Kasuri unfortunate, then it is indeed unfortunate for all of us.
— Sanjay Raut, Spokesperson, Shiv Sena
Breaking his silence, Modi today described the Dadri incident and Shiv Sena’s opposition to Ghulam Ali’s concert as “undesirable and unfortunate”. He also said that his government had nothing to do with them and accused the opposition of indulging in politics of polarisation.
Ghulam Ali’s concert in Mumbai was called off following threats from Sena, even though Maharashtra CM Fadnavis offered protection for Ali.
Opposition Ready With an Attack
Accusing Modi of suffering from selective amnesia and not taking appropriate action in the wake of the Dadri lynching, Congress said that it is not posturing that is needed but concrete action.
Narendra Modi is suffering from selective amnesia. He has forgotten that he is the Prime Minister of entire country and safety and protecting the life of 125 crore citizens of India is his responsibility.
— Randeep Surjewala, Spokesperson, Congress
JD(U) president Sharad Yadav also criticised the prime minister saying while he is quick to speak on the victories of the cricket team, he was speaking on the Dadri incident after much delay.
He (Modi) speaks in so many countries... if cricket team wins he immediately speaks and on other things also he immediately speaks up. This is a matter of country’s unity, then how can the Prime Minister speak over this after delay?”
— Sharad Yadav, President, JDU
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