Hyderabad: Leader of Opposition in Telangana Legislative Council Mohammed Ali Shabbir has strongly condemned Baba Ramdev for threatening to behead those who refuse to chant ‘Bharat Mata Ki Jai’ slogan.
In a media statement, Shabbir Ali said Baba Ramdev’s statement was aimed at inciting communal hatred and violence in the country. “If Baba Ramdev had any respect for the Constitution and country’s law, he wouldn’t have issued such a provocative statement. This highly objectionable statement was issued in a “Sadbhavna Sammelan” (peace meeting) organised by the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) in Haryana’s Rohtak. He is clearly playing into the hands of RSS and BJP to create communal tension in view of assembly elections in five States,” he said.
Shabbir Ali demanded that Baba Ramdev should be arrested immediately for making a highly provocative statement.
The Congress leader also criticised RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat and MIM president Asaduddin Owaisi for creating the controversy over ‘Bharat Mata Ki Jai’ slogan. “Mohan Bhagwat must first prove his patriotism before questioning others. Every Indian, irrespective of his caste, religion or region, loves this country. They don’t need to climb atop their roof tops to shout about their love towards their motherland. Mohan Bhagwat must understand this simple logic. People should simply ignore the insane statements of Bhagwat and his men,” he said.
Shabbir Ali also slammed Asaduddin Owaisi for adding fuel to the fire. “By reacting to Bhagwat’s statement, Asaduddin Owaisi has directly helped RSS and other Sangh activists in strengthening their drive to polarise and communalise the country. RSS miscreants are notorious for issuing provocative statements. Instead of ignoring them, Asaduddin Owaisi gave a reply just to benefit the BJP in ongoing Assembly elections. I appeal to the people to ignore both Bhagwat and Owaisi ,” he said.
The Congress leader said as per the Constitution that it was not compulsory for any Indian citizen to chant any slogan, including Bharat Mata Ki Jai. Way back in 1986 the Supreme Court has given a clear ruling in this regard. (INN)