2 weeks ago
10
VADODRA: Embarking on a whirlwind Lok Sabha election campaign tour of Gujarat, Union home minister
Amit Shah
paid homage on Saturday to the 59
kar sevaks
who died in 2002
Godhra
train carnage while hailing their contribution to the realisation of Ram Mandir construction, which, he said, had been stuck for 70 years due to
Congress
's vote-bank politics.
Addressing a public rally in Godhra, Ground Zero of the 2002 communal riots, Shah said, "All of us witnessed the surya tilak on Ram Lalla's forehead on the day of Ram Navami. But to ensure the temple was built, 60 kar sevaks sacrificed their lives at Godhra railway station. Today, I pay my heartfelt tribute to them."
He claimed all Congress leaders declined the invitation to the ceremony to consecrate the Ram Lalla idol as they felt their "vote bank" would be offended.
Shah, who addressed campaign rallies for Porbandar, Panchmahal, Bharuch and Vadodara constituencies, attacked Congress for allegedly resorting to politics of appeasement, spreading lies about quotas, shoddy handling of terrorism, and opposing the nullification of Article 370 of the Constitution.
Alleging that Congress is in favour of taking Muslim personal law forward, Shah said it is Modi's promise, and guarantee, that there will be no personal law, only a uniform civil code (UCC).
"Congress has repeatedly stated that they will give reservation to Muslims, which they will do by snatching away the rights of SCs, STs, and OBCs. Our manifesto clearly states that no reservation can be on the basis of religion. We will end all efforts being made to give reservation to Muslims and give reservation to adivasis, Dalits and OBCs," he said
Shah claimed it was evident after two phases of polling that Congress was waging a losing battle.
Shah even attacked former PM Dr Manmohan Singh, alleging that during UPA govt, anyone could enter the country from Pakistan and set off bombs.
He also targeted Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge's remarks that the people of Gujarat and Rajasthan have nothing to do with Kashmir and the nullification of Article 370.
English (US) ·