Kharge Questions If Sangam Dips Can End Poverty; Later Issues Apology
Click to start listening
Synopsis
During a rally in Mhow, Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge criticized BJP leaders for their visits to Sangam during Mahakumbh Mela, questioning if these acts could truly alleviate poverty. He later apologized, emphasizing concerns about hunger and the commercialization of faith.
Key Takeaways
- Kharge criticizes BJP for focusing on publicity rather than poverty alleviation.
- He questions the effectiveness of religious rituals in addressing real social issues.
- His comments sparked backlash from BJP leaders.
- Kharge emphasizes the exploitation of the poor in the name of religion.
- Political tensions rise over the Mahakumbh celebrations.
Mhow, Jan 27 (NationPress) Criticizing the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and its leaders for taking dips in Sangam during the Mahakumbh Mela, Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge questioned whether the Ganga baths would truly eliminate poverty in the nation or provide sustenance for the hungry, asserting that BJP leaders have been traveling to Prayagraj solely for publicity.
Kharge expressed these thoughts while speaking at the 'Jai Bapu, Jai Bhim, Jai Samvidhan' rally in Mhow, Madhya Pradesh, the birthplace of Dr. B.R. Ambedkar.
However, he quickly retracted his comments, stating: "I don’t intend to challenge anyone’s faith. If anyone is offended, I apologize. Yet, I ask, when a child is suffering from hunger, not attending school, and laborers are deprived of their rights, at such times, these individuals are expending vast sums of money to compete for taking dips."
His remarks were prompted by Home Minister Amit Shah's visit to Prayagraj on Monday, where he also took a dip at Sangam.
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh had visited Prayagraj the previous week. Further criticizing the ruling BJP, Kharge stated that while religion is a matter of faith, "these individuals (BJP leaders) have commercialized it."
"People perform 'puja' at home daily, but we are concerned about the exploitation of the poor in the name of religion," Kharge stated.
Kharge’s statements have elicited a strong reaction from the BJP. Party MP and spokesperson Sambit Patra claimed that Congress’s animosity is an attack on the beliefs of millions of Hindus.
"Mahakumbh has long been a symbol of the Sanatan faith. It pains me to say that while the world respects this faith, the largest opposition party in India is mocking Mahakumbh and this faith. They are ridiculing it," he told the media.
The Madhya Pradesh BJP unit also responded to Kharge's statements, asserting that the Congress president has insulted the entire Sanatan culture by "spreading venom" against Mahakumbh.
"Today’s so-called major demonstration by Congress in Mhow has once again demonstrated that Congress is opposed to the Constitution and Sanatan Dharma. Mallikarjun Kharge exhibited a contrary mentality regarding Mahakumbh, the heart of faith for Sanatanis," stated Ashish Agarwal, Madhya Pradesh BJP media in-charge.
