BJP Slams Wadettiwar Over Trump Analogy

Nagpur: Guardian minister Chandrashekhar Bawankule on Monday slammed Congress leader Vijay Wadettiwar's statement that the assassination attempt on US president Donald Trump was a result of public unrest and a similar situation was unfolding in India. While Wadettiwar did not name any leader from India, many believed the comparison was made with PM Narendra Modi.Bawankule said, "If Wadettiwar is linking Trump with Modi ji, then he is making a very big mistake. Wadettiwar should understand India's culture and values. Modi Ji's importance in the hearts and minds of people is there for everyone to see. His popularity is unprecedented and Wadettiwar should know this."He said no Indian, regardless of party or ideology, would agree with Wadettiwar. "140 crore Indians can never think like this about Modi ji as he enjoys a huge trust quotient. Comparing Trump with Modi is outrageous," Bawankule said.He alleged Wadettiwar's remarks were driven by Congress' internal wrangling rather than genuine conviction. "In Maharashtra, Congress leaders are competing with each other to make statements to hog limelight. Sometimes Wadettiwar is ahead in this race, sometimes Nana Patole nudges ahead and sometimes it is Harshvardhan Sapkal," said Bawankule. He added Wadettiwar's statements were specifically meant to appease Rahul Gandhi. "Wadettiwar wanted to gain brownie points and must have sent him this first thing in the morning," said Bawankule.On Dhirendra Shastri's apology over his remarks on Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, Bawankule said India's culture was one of forgiveness and appealed protesters to scale down their agitation. "Since he has apologised, people should forgive him with a big heart," he said.He drew a clear line on historical responsibility. "Correct history of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj should be placed before people. Making statements that hurt people is not right," Bawankule added.On Shastri's remark — have 4 children and give 1 to the RSS — Bawankule offered a defence. "When the country faces a crisis, many run away. At such a time, RSS volunteers stand with conviction and fight that crisis. Sentiment was that if more volunteers are present, they will help govt manage society. So, one person from each family should be in RSS — that was his sentiment, in interest of the country," he said.