The Congress on Monday, 1 April, accused Prime Minister Narendra Modi of dividing the country on the basis of religion and demanded an apology from him for hurting the sentiments of people of Wayanad in Kerala.
This came through a press notification, released by the grand-old party that stated, "by alleging that Rahul Gandhi is contesting Wayanad seat on account of there being residents of a particular religion living there, is a disgrace to the high office of Prime Minister is holding."
The press release was a response to PM Modi Monday’s statement, where he without naming Gandhi at rally in Maharashtra said, "Congress is scared to field its leaders from constituencies where majority dominates in terms of voter- base.”
On 31 March, Congress president Rahul Gandhi announced that he will contest the upcoming Lok Sabha polls from the Wayanad parliamentary seat in Kerala, besides Amethi in Uttar Pradesh.
As highlighted by several media reports, most of the Assembly segments in Wayanad constituency - especially Mananthavady, Sulthanbathery, and Kalpetta - have a large population of Muslims.
‘PM Modi Not Only Insulted Wayanad but Also Freedom Movement’
Lashing at PM Modi's claims, AICC General Secretary KC Venugopal in the press release said that demographically, "Wayanad reflects the composite culture of various communities and religions who thrive and live together."
Naming freedom fighters such as Kerala Varma Pazhassi Raja from Wayanad, the release noted, “By hiding all these cultural legacy... Prime Minister was not only disrespecting the people of Wayanad but also insulted the freedom movement.”
Venugopal further added that the PM has insulted the entire Southern India.
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