‘Pained by Jharkhand Lynching But Can’t Insult the State’: PM Modi

In what was his first reference to the incident PM Modi said one couldn’t call the entire state “a hub of lynching.”

Prime Minister Narendra Modi

(Photo Courtesy: Reuters)

Replying to the ‘Motion of Thanks on the President’s address’ in the Rajya Sabha, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday, 26 June, condemned the Jharkhand mob lynching and stated that he was “pained” by the heinous incident.

In what was his first reference to the incident which took place last week, PM Modi also said it was unfair to insult the state of Jharkhand. The prime minister’s statement was likely a response to Congress and Rajya Sabha Opposition leader, Ghulam Nabi Ghulam Nabi Azad who on 24 June, described Jharkhand as a "factory of mob lynching."

“The lynching in Jharkhand has pained me. It has saddened others too. But, some people in the Rajya Sabha are calling Jharkhand a hub of lynching. Is this fair? Why are they insulting a state. None of us have the right to insult the state of Jharkhand.”

PM Narendra Modi

In his Rajya Sabha address, PM Modi also noted that whether it be Jharkhand or West Bengal, incidents of violence should be treated in the same manner and perpetrators ought to get a lesson that the entire country is united on the issue.

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WHAT HAD HAPPENED?

On 22 June, a 24-year-old man indentified as Tabrez Ansari, succumbed to death after being severely beaten by mob near Saraikela on the suspicion of stealing a motorcycle.

Eleven people were arrested in connection to the case and a Special Investigation Team (SIT) was set up to probe Ansari's death.

Two police personnel were also suspended in connection with the incident. They were officers-incharge of Kharaswan and Sini police stations.

WHAT ELSE DID PM MODI SPEAK ABOUT

On Wednesday, PM Modi also addressed the issue of encephalitis outbreak in Bihar which has claimed lives of over 120 people since 10 June.

He termed the deaths caused in Bihar due to Acute Encephalitis Syndrome as “unfortunate” and a “matter of shame”.

“The deaths in Bihar due to Acute Encephalitis Syndrome are unfortunate and a matter of shame for us. We have to take this seriously. I am in constant touch with the state government and I am sure we will collectively come out of this crisis soon.”

PM Narendra Modi

He further added “the need of the hour is to strengthen Ayushman Bharat. We want our poor to get the best quality and affordable medical treatment.”

He further launched a scathing attack on the Congress in the Rajya Sabha, saying it insulted voters of the country by questioning veracity of EVMs and the massive victory of the BJP in Lok Sabha polls.

He said there is a problem with the Congress as it does not accept defeat and cannot digest victory.

“After such a big mandate, you say you (BJP) have won, but the country has lost....If the Congress loses, does the country get defeated. Does the Congress mean the country and the country means the Congress. There is a limit of arrogance.”

PM Narendra Modi

(With inputs from PTI)