New Delhi, October 6 (IANS) reacting to the ongoing dispute around the slogan “I Love Muhammad”, Union Minority Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju said in a special interview with IANS that India does not discriminate on the basis of religion or caste and the country is united under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
He emphasized that both minority and majority communities are equally preserved under the Constitution.
He also talked about several issues, including Rahul Gandhi’s foreign remarks on Indian democracy, the rejection of General Z’s dynasty politics, the RSS role in nation-building and the statements raising questions on the armed forces by Congress leaders.
Below is complete interview:
IANS: Congress leader is extremely sensitive about the issue of ‘I Love Prophet Muhammad’. They are constantly advocating it. What will you say?
Kiren Rijiju: I am a minister for minority matters, and in our country, whether a minority or majority community belongs to, all are treated equally. The constitution ensures security for all. Prime Minister Modi launched the slogan ‘Saba Sixty, Saba Vikas’ and started the program on the basis of unity and development. Since becoming the Minister of Minority Affairs, I visited every region and met people from all communities. I do not know who started the slogan to divide the nation in the name of religion, but under the leadership of PM Modi, we united. We do not discriminate on the basis of religion or caste.
IANS: Rahul Gandhi has traveled from Colombia to Peru. He is constantly questioning Indian democracy. What will you say?
Kiren Rijiju: Rahul Gandhi secretly travels abroad again and again. I have no personal concern with this, nor I am interested. But as the Leader of the Opposition, when he gives a speech abroad, we listen carefully because he represents Parliament … and when our opposition leaders speak negatively about the country, against the Indian democracy and the Indian system and say that India cannot provide global leadership, it does not seem right. The concern is that people can start thinking that there are leaders like Rahul Gandhi in India, although such thinking only represents a small minority. But there, everyone will think that all Indians are like Rahul Gandhi, so someone should speak and speak. I found his comment very objectionable.
IANS: Whenever Rahul Gandhi goes abroad, he is seen questioning India’s democracy and there is freedom to speak in the country. What would you like to say on this?
Kiren Rijiju: Our country has seen many leaders of the opposition of both Congress and BJP. The Congress has produced several prominent leaders, and from our side also, we have great leaders like LK Advani, Atal Bihari Vajpayee, Sushma Swaraj, Jaswant Singh and Arun Jaitley. I just want to give an example: When Indira Gandhi lost the election, a foreign journalist asked her what she wanted to say about the work done by the government. Indira Gandhi replied that she would not speak about her country or her government abroad; She used to do this only after returning to India. And Rahul Gandhi is probably the first leader of the opposition and the first MP who speaks against his own country while living abroad.
IANS: In India, dreams of rebellion like Nepal are being seen through General Z. Warning is also being issued. What will you say?
Kiren Rijiju: Taking examples from Nepal, Bangladesh and others, an attempt was being made to run a campaign across the country. Rahul Gandhi talked about General Z, so I want to make it very clear, Jean Z of our country has already rejected Rahul Gandhi three times. The new generation of India is intelligent and opposes dynasty politics. The nation’s gene is with Z Modi ji.
IANS: RSS route march is facing opposition in JNU. Should RSS be taught in every school, college and university?
Kiren Rijiju: They dedicate their entire life to serve the nation. In the beginning, I did not even understand the RSS completely and there was some doubt about what happens inside it … The day our whole country really understands the purpose and feeling of the RSS, India will rise above the greatest countries in the world, because members of the RSS serve the country with deep dedication and sacrifice.
IANS: Congress Uttar Pradesh President Ajay Rai says that he does not trust the head of CD and Air Force. What do you say?
Kiren Rijiju: It is unfortunate that whenever our army chiefs respond to Pakistan, Congress and opposition leaders attack our armed forces before Pakistan. Can you imagine such a situation? When Pakistan lies, our Air Force, Army and Navy give a strong reaction. But before Pakistan can also compete, the Congress and its leaders start criticizing our own forces. Nothing can be more unfortunate than this. In protest against the government, Congress leaders have now started speaking against the country.
,
Rupee/DPB