'Don't try to teach us secularism': Assam CM slams Congress in poll-bound Chhattisgarh

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• Oct 19, 2023 | Dhupali Das

Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma said that the grand old party had no right to teach secularism to the Bharatiya Janata Party...

Digital Desk: In a scathing attack on the Congress party, Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma said that the grand old party had no right to teach secularism to the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). Speaking at a public rally in the Kawardha assembly constituency of poll-bound Chhattisgarh, Sarma castigated the Bhupesh Baghel-led government and lamented the rising occurrences of 'love jihad' and religious conversions.

Sarma asserted that incidents like 'love jihad,' conversions, and violence against Hindus should not be shielded under the guise of secularism. He warned that if Congress were to come to power, such issues would escalate further, leading to increased tensions and religious discord.

"Love jihad had its origins during the Congress's rule in the country. In Assam and Chhattisgarh, there is continuous encouragement for tribal populations to convert to Christianity. When people protest against these acts, Bhupesh Baghel proclaims he is promoting secularism," Sarma stated.

"Is the killing of Hindus consistent with your version of secularism? This country belongs to Hindus, and it will remain a nation of Hindus. Do not attempt to lecture us on the principles of secularism," Sarma firmly declared.

Sarma criticized Congress for its historical actions, stating that building a mosque for Babar after demolishing the Ram Temple was not an embodiment of secularism. He emphasized that religious conversion was not synonymous with secularism and questioned the allocation of Mata Kaushalya's land to Akbar. Sarma argued that the true essence of secularism was shaped by the principles of Baba Saheb Ambedkar and the nation's rich Hindu culture.

"Our understanding of secularism is grounded in the teachings of Baba Saheb Ambedkar and our cherished Hindu traditions. It certainly does not include the notion of love jihad," the Assam Chief Minister added.

Sarma further lambasted the Congress for what he perceived as its devotion to historical figures like Babar, to the detriment of other key issues. He emphasized that the Congress had failed to make good on their promise to construct the Ram Temple in Ayodhya.

"We had promised to build the Ram Temple upon assuming power at the Centre, and the temple's construction will be concluded in January. The Congress, despite holding power for six decades, did not take any steps to construct the Ram Temple, as they venerated Babar instead of Lord Sri Ram," Sarma argued.

He applauded Prime Minister Modi for fulfilling his commitments to the people, in stark contrast to the Congress party. Sarma concluded by taking a dig at the Baghel government, accusing it of being notorious for "selling liquor" and urged voters to support BJP nominee Vijay Sharma to safeguard Chhattisgarh from love jihad and religious conversions.

In the forthcoming polls scheduled for November 7 and November 17, Chhattisgarh will witness a political showdown. The counting of votes will be done on December 3.