JP Nadda Open Letter Lists Violence Under Congress In The Past As He Responds To Vote Bank Politics Charge

JP Nadda referred to a number of riots when the opposition, mostly the Congress-led UPA, was in power as well as incidents in opposition-ruled states like Tamil Nadu and Maharashtra.

JP Nadda said the opposition parties "tried, tested", "dusted and rusted" approach of vote bank politics, divisive politics, and selective politics is no longer working. (File Photo | Twitter/@BJP4India)

New Delhi: Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) President Jagat Prakash Nadda on Monday accused the opposition of waging a "direct onslaught on the spirit of our nation and casting aspersions on our hardworking citizens", as dismissed the rival parties' concerns over recent incidents of communal violence.

The BJP President wrote an open letter in reaction to the opposition's joint statement attacking the Modi government over instances of hate speech and communal clashes.

In the letter, JP Nadda said the opposition parties "tried, tested, or I should say dusted and rusted approach of vote bank politics, divisive politics, and selective politics is no longer working".

He credited Prime Minister Narendra Modi's emphasis on 'Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas, Sabka Vishwas and Sabka Prayas' as enabling Indians to become empowered and get the wings to rise further.

"Unfortunately, this thrust towards development politics is being bitterly resisted by the rejected and dejected parties which are once again taking refuge in vote bank and divisive politics," Nadda wrote.

"Today, India is seeing two distinctive styles of politics - the NDA's efforts which are seen in their work, and the petty politics of a group of parties, which is seen in their acerbic words," he alleged.

Referring to the opposition's joint statement, JP Nadda stated: "In the last few days, we have seen these parties come together yet again in letter (whether in spirit too, time will tell) in which they have waged a direct onslaught on the spirit of our nation and cast aspersions on our hardworking citizens."

"I would urge the opposition to change track and embrace the politics of development. We owe this to our coming generations," he added.

BJP President Shri @JPNadda ji's message to the nation. pic.twitter.com/EoC5lceV3H

— BJP (@BJP4India) April 18, 2022

JP Nadda Questions Opposition Silence On Karauli Violence, Lists Incidents From Congress Rule

In response to concerns raised over communal clashes, the BJP president noted the incident that took place during a religious procession in Congress-ruled Rajasthan's Karauli.

He questioned opposition parties about the "compulsions driving your haunting silence" on the issue.

JP Nadda also referred to a number of riots when the opposition, mostly the Congress-led UPA, was in power as well as incidents in opposition-ruled states like Tamil Nadu and Maharashtra to hit back at the rival parties.

"Who can forget Rajiv Gandhi's infamous words - 'When a big tree falls, the earth shakes' - that justified the killing of thousands of Sikhs in the wake of PM Indira Gandhi's death. Gujarat in 1969, Moradabad 1980, Bhiwandi 1984, Meerut 1987, various incidents against the Hindus in Kashmir valley throughout the 1980s, 1989 Bhagalpur, 1994 Hubballi...the list of communal violence during Congress rule is long," the senior BJP leader wrote. 

"Under which Government did the Muzaffarnagar Riots happen in 2013 or the Assam Riots in 2012?" he added.

Leaders of 13 Opposition parties on Saturday voiced deep concern over recent incidents of hate speech and communal violence in the country, urging people to maintain peace and harmony.

In a joint statement, the opposition leaders including Congress president Sonia Gandhi, NCP chief Sharad Pawar, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, and her Tamil Nadu and Jharkhand counterparts MK Stalin and Hemant Soren raised concern over the manner in which issues relating to food, dress, faith, festivals, and language "are being deliberately used by the ruling establishment to polarise society".

More On It: 'Shocked At PM's Silence': 13 Oppn Parties Issue Joint Appeal On Communal Violence