GG News Bureau
Nagpur, 18th Sept. Maharashtra BJP chief Chandrashekhar Bawankule on Wednesday accused leaders from the Nehru-Gandhi family, spanning three generations, of opposing the reservation system in India.
Speaking at a press conference, Bawankule claimed that former prime ministers Jawaharlal Nehru and Rajiv Gandhi had historically opposed reservation, and criticized current Congress leader Rahul Gandhi for allegedly echoing similar sentiments.
Bawankule called on Gandhi to clarify his position on reservation and advised him to avoid making what he termed as “anti-India statements.” His comments follow controversial statements by BJP Rajya Sabha member Anil Bonde and Shiv Sena MLA Sanjay Gaikwad. Gaikwad had sparked outrage by offering a Rs 11 lakh reward for anyone who would “cut off Rahul Gandhi’s tongue” for his remarks on reservation, while Bonde suggested Gandhi’s tongue should be “singed.”
Bawankule distanced himself from these extreme statements, stating, “I do not support the remarks made by Shiv Sena MLA Sanjay Gaikwad and BJP’s Rajya Sabha member Anil Bonde. They should refrain from such statements.”
He added, “But Rahul Gandhi should also speak carefully and avoid making anti-India statements. This habit of opposing reservation has been seen across three generations of the Nehru-Gandhi family. Jawaharlal Nehru criticized the reservation policy introduced by Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar, and Rajiv Gandhi also opposed it, suggesting that those without merit should not receive reservation.”
Bawankule challenged Gandhi to clarify his stance on reservation before visiting Maharashtra, emphasizing that the BJP’s focus is on developing the state and promoting welfare schemes for marginalized communities.
On the BJP’s strategy for the upcoming Maharashtra Assembly polls, Bawankule emphasized the party’s agenda of presenting a “double-engine government” that would work for the development and welfare of Maharashtra’s 14 crore people. He also accused the opposition of misleading tribal communities and underscored the BJP’s efforts to integrate them into the mainstream through various welfare initiatives.
Assembly elections in Maharashtra are expected to be held in November.
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