Congress Leader Creates Stir with Commentary on Mayawati; Rashid Alvi Expresses Disapproval
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Synopsis
On February 18, 2023, Congress leader Rashid Alvi condemned Udit Raj's inappropriate remarks about Mayawati and criticized the late-night appointment of the Chief Election Commissioner. Alvi emphasized the need for respect in political discourse and expressed concerns about the integrity of elections in India.
Key Takeaways
- Rashid Alvi denounced Udit Raj's controversial remarks.
- Mayawati is a respected leader among the Dalit community.
- Alvi criticized the late-night appointment of the Chief Election Commissioner.
- The integrity of elections is a pressing concern for Alvi.
- Legal proceedings concerning Sajjan Kumar are ongoing.
New Delhi, Feb 18 (NationPress) Veteran Congress leader Rashid Alvi on Tuesday criticized fellow party member Udit Raj for his contentious remarks regarding Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) leader Mayawati. Alvi firmly rejected such comments and also voiced his discontent over the late-night appointment of the Chief Election Commissioner (CEC).
Alvi's response came after Udit Raj made a statement during an event in Lucknow on Monday, suggesting that Mayawati should be 'throttled' for allegedly undermining the social movement.
In an interview with IANS, Alvi stated, "I condemn such statements. Mayawati is a respected leader of the Dalit community, and she is held in high regard by many. While political differences are natural, such remarks about any leader are unacceptable."
Alvi also commented on the recent appointment of Gyanesh Kumar as the next CEC, which was made late at night by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah.
He criticized the current process, stating, "Previously, the Chief Justice of India (CJI) nominated the CEC, but now it seems our government has replaced the CJI's role with that of a Cabinet Minister. This indicates that elections in India are losing their integrity, and it shows that democracy is under threat, as the BJP appoints the CEC to suit their interests."
Additionally, Alvi addressed the prosecution's request for the death penalty for former Congress MP Sajjan Kumar regarding the 1984 anti-Sikh riots.
"He has already been convicted and is serving time. We will stand by whatever the court decides," Alvi concluded.
Kumar was found guilty for his involvement in the 1984 murder of a father-son duo in Delhi's Saraswati Vihar. On Tuesday, the public prosecutor advocated for the death penalty, referencing cases such as the Nirbhaya incident.
Kumar’s defense team has submitted written arguments, with the court set to hear sentencing discussions on February 21.
Currently, Kumar is already serving a life sentence for another murder related to the riots and now faces either the death penalty or life imprisonment for his role in the Saraswati Vihar killings.
