New Delhi (India), May 3, 2023: The Congress party has accused Prime Minister Narendra Modi of insulting the religious sentiments of Hindu devotees by equating Lord Hanuman with the Bajrang Dal. In a press briefing on Tuesday, May 2, Congress spokesperson Pawan Khera termed the Prime Minister’s remarks “shameful” and “an insult” to the millions of devotees of Lord Hanuman.
Khera demanded an apology from the Prime Minister, stating that he had no right to insult “Bajrang Bali.”
The Prime Minister’s comments were made in response to the Congress party’s promise to ban the Bajrang Dal in its election manifesto for Karnataka. Modi criticized the party for “locking up” Lord Ram in the past and now wanting to “lock up” those who chant “Jai Bajrang Bali.”
The Congress party’s manifesto for the state polls, due on May 10, committed to taking action against organizations like the Bajrang Dal and the Popular Front of India (PFI) for allegedly “spreading hatred” among communities based on caste and religion.
The Congress party’s demand for an apology from the Prime Minister has sparked controversy, with many supporting Modi’s right to freedom of expression. The Prime Minister’s comments have also sparked debates on social media, with many users expressing their opinions on the issue.
Meanwhile, the Congress party has stood by its manifesto promise and accused the Bajrang Dal and PFI of creating unrest and promoting disharmony among communities. The stage is set for a fierce electoral battle in Karnataka, with the Congress party and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) locked in a bitter contest for power.
