BJP leader Ravi Kishan on Tuesday (July 25) responded to Prime Minister Narendra Modi's recent remarks during the party's parliamentary meeting earlier in the day. After attending the meeting, Kishan stated that PM Modi used examples such as the East India Company and the Indian Mujahideen to emphasise the need for a new India that cannot be easily deceived. He stated that the current opposition appears "directionless" and stressed the importance of a strong, united India.
"He (PM Modi) stated that the name 'India' has always been used to deceive Indians. He put forth examples such as 'East India Company', 'Indian Mujahideen'. However, this is 'new India' where people will not get fooled easily," Ravi Kishan was quoted as saying by PTI.
During the parliamentary party meeting, Prime Minister Modi slammed the opposition, calling it the most "directionless" the country has ever seen. He drew parallels between the East India Company and the Indian Mujahideen, both of which had the word "INDIA" in their names, to emphasise that the nation's new India is not easily misled.
"...As the Britishers came and named themselves East India Company, in the same way, the opposition is presenting itself in the name of India," the Prime Minister said, referring to the opposition. He also noted that terror organisations such as the 'Indian Mujahideen' and the 'Popular Front of India (PFI)' use the word 'India' in their names.
The BJP held its parliamentary party meeting on Tuesday, amid the opposition's demand for discussions and Prime Minister Modi's statement on the Manipur issue. Union Minister Pralhad Joshi stated that Prime Minister Modi stated that the opposition appears to have decided to remain in opposition for an extended period of time.
In response to PM Modi's remarks, the opposition voiced their criticisms, with Congress president and Leader of the Opposition in Rajya Sabha, Mallikarjun Kharge, tweeting a video interview to news agency ANI. Kharge questioned the implementation of the 'Act East Policy' and demanded that the Prime Minister make a statement in Parliament about the violence and unrest in Manipur.
RJD's Manoj Kumar Jha also responded to PM Modi's comments about the opposition alliance 'INDIA,' emphasising the importance of maintaining respectful and constructive political discourse. Recognising that political opponents have different visions for India, Jha urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi to refrain from using expletives, emphasising that such language reflects poorly on his leadership.