New Delhi: Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot on Sunday chastised the prime minister and other politicians for their 'silence' over alleged hate comments at a Dharma Sansad in Haridwar, saying such activities could not be permitted in Mahatma Gandhi's homeland.
He claimed that the speakers' purported use of "violent language" is incompatible with Indian culture.
The prime minister, home minister, and chief minister of Uttarakhand were all silent on the issue, according to Gehlot, and the government did not take any action against them.
The Uttarakhand Dharma Sansad has shaken the country. Our culture forbids the use of violent language. The prime minister and chief minister have remained silent, while the home minister has also remained silent. Why isn't something being done about it? After attending the party's training camp at Shivdaspura, near here, Gehlot informed reporters.
While Gandhi's birthday is commemorated as the International Day of Non-Violence around the world, he said it's terrible that such hate speeches were delivered in his country.
"If we do not live with love and harmony, how will the country remain united? Whether it is Hindu, Muslim, Sikh, Christian, Jain, Parsi... everyone has to live together," he was quoted by PTI in its report.
Gehlot also voiced alarm over the rising number of COVID-19 cases, claiming that after his government applied pressure, the Centre eventually announced a booster dose.
"I had been telling them (Centre) for one-and-a-half to two months that they should allow booster dose to people above 60 years and those ill. The booster dose is being administered in several countries. Yesterday, the prime minister announced this and we are happy that he, at least, accepted our point," Gehlot said.
(With Input from PTI)