Defence Minister and senior Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) Rajnath Singh on Monday flagged off the third phase of the party’s "Parivartan Sankalp Yatra" (electoral campaign) from Jaisalmer city in the poll-bound state Rajasthan.
Singh launched a scathing attack on Congress while addressing a public gathering during the campaign as he questioned the silence of Sonia Gandhi and Rajasthan state chief Ashok Gehlot over controversial remarks made by its ally Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) politician and Tamil Nadu state chief M.K. Stalin’s son Udhayanidhi Stalin on Sanatan Dharm.
“DMK has attacked Sanatana Dharma and Congress is quiet on it. I want to ask Gehlot why he didn't say anything. Why is Sonia Gandhi, Rahul Gandhi or Kharge not speaking anything? Why don't they clarify what they think about the Sanatan Dharm”, Singh said.
He further stated that Sanatan Dharm cannot be seen as limited to prayers, but rather it sends the message of “Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam” and it considers the whole world as one family.
The defence minister further demanded an apology from the newly formed opposition bloc – Indian National Developmental Inclusive Alliance (INDIA) – and further said that the nation won’t forgive them if they don’t apologise.
Singh even highlighted some of the initiatives taken by the BJP-led federal government which are benefitting the public.
BJP’s Parivartan Sankalp Yatra in Rajasthan
In order to take on the ruling Congress in the upcoming state assembly polls in Rajasthan, the BJP has planned four "Parivartan Sankalp Yatras".
The first was launched by the party’s national president, J.P. Nadda, on 2 September from Sawai Madhopur, while federal Home Minister Amit Shah launched the second one from Beneshwar Dham in Dungarpur.
Federal Minister for Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari will be launching the fourth yatra 5 September from Gogamedi in Hanumangrh.
The four yatras will cover all 200 assembly seats in the state and will culminate on 25 September with a major public address by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Jaipur (capital of Rajasthan).
Former Rajasthan state chief Vasundhara Raje, federal ministers Jyotiraditya Scindia and Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, party state unit President C.P. Joshi, and deputy leader of the opposition in the state assembly Sateyndra Poonia will participate in the programmes scheduled as part of the yatras.
Kisan chaupals (meetings), Dalit chaupals, meetings of women, motorcycle rallies, and other programmes will be organised as part of the yatras.