Two days after Arvind Kejriwal-led Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) swept the Delhi Assembly elections in a landslide victory, Union Home Minister Amit Shah broke his silence on Thursday, 13 February, admitting that remarks made by BJP leaders may have resulted in the party's defeat.
However, the home minister also claimed that BJP MP Parvesh Verma had never made the controversial statement where he suggested Shaheen Bagh protesters will enter the homes of Delhi’s residents, rape and kill their sisters and daughters.
“No one said anything like this... that sisters and daughters will be raped.”Amit Shah to Times Now
You can listen to Shah’s claim in this video, from 8:35:
"Delhi’s residents will have to decide carefully. These people will enter your homes, pick up your sisters and daughters, rape them and kill them,” Verma had said on 28 January.
The home minister also admitted that his assessment of Delhi elections was wrong but asserted that the result of the polls was not a mandate on CAA and NRC.
‘Everyone Has Right to Peaceful Protest’
Asked about the ongoing agitations against the CAA, the home minister said everyone has the right to peaceful protest but violence is not justified.
“We tolerate non-violent protests, but vandalism can’t be tolerated. Peaceful protest is a democratic right.”Amit Shah to Times Now
He also indicated that the government is looking into reports of PFI (a militant outfit) having links with the Shaheen Bagh protests.
Asked about Jammu and Kashmir, Shah said everyone, even politicians, are free to visit the Union Territory whenever they want and that there are no governmental restrictions.
On the detention of three former chief ministers of J&K – Farooq Abdullah, Omar Abdullah and Mehbooba Mufti – he said that the decision has been taken by the local administration and that the Centre has played no role in the same.
Omar Abdullah has approached the Supreme Court and let the judiciary take a decision on it, he said.
‘Ready to Meet Anyone Who Has Concerns About CAA’
In the interview, Amit Shah said that he is ready to meet anyone who wants to discuss issues related to the Citizenship (Amendment) Act (CAA).
“Whoever has a problem with (CAA) should contact my office for an appointment. I will meet them within three days and discuss the matter.”Amit Shah to Times Now
The home minister strongly defended the controversial act, saying. “Don't just criticise CAA, but discuss it on the basis of merits. CAA is neither anti-Muslim nor anti-minority.”
He also said that the government has not yet made the decision to roll out the NRC for the whole country and made it clear that those unwilling to show documents during the the National Population Register (NPR) exercise are free to do so.
(With inputs from Times Now and PTI)
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