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Information and Broadcasting Minister Prakash Javadekar and Congress Spokesperson Randeep Singh Surjewala sparred over a petition filed by Pakistan at the United Nations on Wednesday, 28 August, in which its minister had quoted a statement made by Congress leader Rahul Gandhi.
On 10 August, speaking outside the Congress headquarters, Rahul Gandhi had said:
“Some reports have come out saying that things are going very wrong in Jammu and Kashmir. There are reports of violence, there are reports of people dying in Jammu and Kashmir. Now, it is very important the Government of India and the PM make it very clear and transparent as to what exactly is happening in the Union Territories of Jammu and Kashmir, and Ladakh.”
On Wednesday, lashing out at the Congress leader over his comments on the Kashmir situation, Javadekar said:
“Rahul Gandhi’s statement is shameful. Things are not going wrong in Kashmir rather things are going wrong for Congress. And this is nothing but vote bank politics... Never has India been shown in such a bad light as the Congress has done.”
Union Minister Smriti Irani also slammed Gandhi over his remarks, claiming that he cared very little for the Tricolour and is liked by Pakistan.
“It is not for the first time that Pakistan is finding support from Rahul Gandhi,” the Women and Child Development Minister said, during a visit to the constituency she wrested from the Congress leader in the recent Lok Sabha elections.
“It is a misfortune of the country that there is a leader in India who thinks less of the tricolour and values it little, and is liked more by the enemy country," she added.
Surjewala hit back at Javadekar, dubbing him a "misinformation minister" and one who has "lost his political balance".
‘We think the BJP and its government need to introspect. How much will the BJP fall and lower its political stature?” said Surjewala.
Meanwhile, Gandhi clarified his remarks in a series of tweets:
Gandhi’s tweets only added fuel to the fire.
Slamming the Congress leader, Javadekar said, “this false statement enraged people across the country and that's why Congress has denied the statement.”
“It's a complete U-turn,” he added.
The Congress also slammed Pakistan for "mischievously" dragging Gandhi's name in a petition reportedly moved in the United Nations to justify its "lies and misinformation" on Jammu and Kashmir.
Hitting back at the Union minister, Surjewala said:
“Does Prakash Javadekar have an objection to that? Is it not a statement that shows the consolidated and united face of India? In fact, the Congress followed up Rahul Gandhi’s statement and we categorically said that Pakistan should answer to the world about unpardonable and inhumane violations of human rights in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir in Gilgit, Hunza and in Baltistan.”
Both the parties also demanded an apology from each other.
(With inputs from PTI)
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