Amit Shah, a nasty proponent of divisive politics: Derek O'Brien
What's the story
Hitting out at BJP President Amit Shah for his criticism of opposition parties which questioned airstrikes in Pakistan, the Trinamool Congress today said the saffron party leader should refrain from "lecturing others" on patriotism as he was a "proponent of divisive and hatred politics".
"Amit Shah and the BJP are the nastiest proponents of divisive and hatred politics," TMC national spokesperson Derek O'Brien said.
Statement
'Our armed forces belong to India, not to Modi-Shah's BJP'
"Amit Shah and the Bharatiya Janata Party are the nastiest proponents of divisive and hatred politics. We will not listen to his lectures on patriotism. Our armed forces belong to India, not to Modi-Shah's BJP," O'Brien, who is also a TMC parliamentary party leader in Rajya Sabha, said.
"Those who had cowered down during the Independence movement are giving sermons on patriotism," he stated.
Quote
O'Brien also referred to BJP's ideological parent, RSS
In an apparent reference to the RSS, the ideological parent of the saffron party, O'Brien said, "Khaki-chaddi wearing men who were hiding under desks during the entire Independence movement are now handing out certificates of patriotism. Thanks. But no thanks."
Background
'Cheap politics' by a few is making Pak happy: Shah
Shah yesterday said the ones who did not have the courage to give a befitting response to terrorists and avenge the killing of soldiers, when in power, were raising doubts on the recent airstrikes for "cheap politics" and their statements have made Pakistan happy.
Shah made the statement while addressing the BJP's 'Vijay Sankalp' motorbike rally in Madhya Pradesh.
Evidence sought
WB CM Banerjee demanded evidence of pre-emptive strike on JeM
"The armed forces have said in a press conference that they have conducted an airstrike and eliminated scores of terrorists. Can anyone have doubts about it? You should desist from such cheap politics," Shah had said.
Meanwhile, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Thursday demanded evidence of the pre-emptive strike on Jaish-e- Mohammed training camps in Pakistan by the Indian Air Force.