Union Minister Kiren Rijiju condemned slogans against Prime Minister Narendra Modi, demanding a public apology from Congress leadership.
New Delhi
Union Minister Kiren Rijiju on Monday strongly condemned what he described as objectionable and dangerous slogans raised against Prime Minister Narendra Modi during a Congress rally, calling on the party’s top leadership to issue an unconditional public apology in Parliament. Rijiju said mere denials or distancing from the incident were insufficient, given the gravity of the remarks allegedly made at the rally.
Speaking to reporters, the Union Minister said that the Prime Minister of India is not just a political figure but the democratically elected leader of the world’s largest democracy, representing a nation of 1.4 billion people. The Prime Minister of India, Narendra Modi, is recognised by the world and by the people of our country. It is extremely sad and regrettable if some opposition members call for his killing. Mere denial is not enough, Rijiju said.
He stressed that accountability must come from the highest levels of the Congress Party. According to Rijiju, both the Congress President and the Leader of the Opposition in Parliament must apologise openly on the floor of the House. If there is any sense of humanity and respect for the nation and society within the Congress Party, they should not delay in apologising openly in Parliament to the people of the country, he said, adding that only such a step would demonstrate that the party acknowledged its mistake.
Rijiju emphasised that while political rivalry is an inherent part of democracy, it must never descend into personal threats or incitement to violence. He noted that even among political opponents, there is a long-standing tradition of basic courtesy and mutual respect.
