PM Modi slams Rahul over 'devta' remark: 'Naxal mindset imported...'
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday hit out at Congress MP Rahul Gandhi for his "devta" comment, claiming it reflected the Congress's "Naxal mindset, influenced by ideas imported from other religions and nations." "Congress can put our faith and culture at stake for a few votes anytime. The Congress heir...went abroad...said that our 'devi-devta' are not gods...It is an insult to our faith. Congress should be punished for this," PM Modi said at a rally in Jammu and Kashmir's Katra.
Why does this story matter?
During his recent visit to the US, Gandhi had said that the term 'sevta' in India refers to someone whose internal feelings align with their external expressions. He said, "Devta in India means a person whose internal feelings are...same as his external expression, meaning he is a completely transparent being." Several of Gandhi's comments, made during his US trip, have stirred controversies in India with the Bharatiya Janata Party accusing the Congress leader of disrespecting the country and its culture.
PM Modi accuses Congress of disrespecting Dogra culture
The PM added, "They don't say all this just for the sake of it, or as a mistake. It was a planned conspiracy. It was a naxal mindset which had been imported from other religions and other countries..." "This naxal mindset of Congress insulted the Dogra culture of Jammu," PM Modi said.
PM's statement on J&K statehood, Article 370
PM Modi further said in the rally that statehood will be restored in Jammu and Kashmir "This is our commitment in Parliament," he added. He, however, added that "no power on earth" can restore Article 370 in Jammu and Kashmir. "We will not allow Pakistan's agenda to be implemented in the union territory," the PM said According to him, separatism and terrorism have weakened since Article 370's abrogation and will be eradicated completely.
