Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Sanjay Raut took a dig at Prime Minister Narendra Modi, saying, "The time has come for the Prime Minister to retire, so he is having fun in the jungle."
PM Modi went on a lion safari at Gir National Park and Wildlife Sanctuary in Gujarat's Junagadh district for World Wildlife Day on Monday.
However, Raut’s statement was not well received; BJP leaders strongly condemned it and said it was an insult to the prime minister. BJP leaders have defended the prime minister and said that his dedication to environmental protection and development and criticised the opposition leaders for making personal remarks.
BJP leaders condemned Sanjay Raut's statement as irresponsible, claiming that the opposition is making such remarks out of fear of PM Modi’s popularity. They asserted that the country is continuously progressing under his leadership, while opposition leaders try to damage his image.
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During his morning jungle safari, PM Modi observed Asiatic lions up close and discussed the significance of wildlife conservation and biodiversity. PM will also chair the seventh meeting of the National Board for Wildlife at Sasan Gir, the headquarters of the Gir Wildlife Sanctuary.
Several Union Ministers and senior Forest Department officials accompanied him on the tour.
PM Modi shared his experiences on X, which also received mixed reactions. Meanwhile, the opposition continues to criticise him over these pictures, claiming that while the country faces pressing issues, it is occupied with a jungle safari.