Kalaburagi, Apr 13 (UNI) The incident involving Congress MLA Laxman Savadi's hesitation to chant 'Bharat Mata Ki Jai' without seeking permission from party chief Mallikarjun Kharge has become a focal point of political controversy in the run-up to the Lok Sabha election in Karnataka.
The BJP, led by Karnataka State President Vijayendra Yediyurappa, capitalised on this incident to criticise the Congress and position itself as the true champion of patriotism and nationalism.
Vijayendra's remarks highlighted the BJP's narrative that the Congress is lacking in patriotic fervour and is uncertain about expressing nationalist sentiments.
By framing the incident in this manner, the BJP sought to contrast its unwavering commitment to nationalist ideals with what it portrays as the Congress's ambivalence or hesitancy.
The public reaction to this incident, especially on social media where the video went viral, also struck a chord with many people, further amplifying the political significance of the incident. The intense scrutiny and debate surrounding the incident underscore the role that issues of patriotism and nationalism are likely to play in shaping the electoral discourse in Karnataka.
Vijayendra alleged that the Congress is lacking in patriotism and nationalist fervour compared to the BJP. He expressed disappointment and portrays Savadi's hesitation to chant 'Bharat Mata Ki Jai', painting the Congress as a party that is uncertain or even hesitant about expressing patriotic sentiments.
The state BJP President contended that the incident serves as evidence of the BJP's superior ideological commitment, suggesting that the Congress's efforts to prove its patriotism are futile in comparison.
"It is rather very unfortunate and depressing to know that a senior leader like Laxman Savadi hesitates to openly raise the slogan 'Bharat Mata ki Jai' on a Congress platform in front of its national president Mallikarjun Kharge.
"Isn't it very pitiful and dangerous that a Congress leader trying to express his patriotism and praise "Bharat Mata" feels guilty and hence seeks to clarify his stand of raising the slogan to party chief," Vijayendra stated.
"Today's incident reinforces the fact that Savadi's attempt to prove Congress' patriotism is a very futile effort and can't compare itself to BJP, which has imbibed the nationalistic and patriotic ideals very much ingrained as part of its core culture," he added.
Karnataka's Leader of Opposition R Ashoka said Savadi's reluctance to chant 'Bharat Mata Ki Jai' without permission from Kharge was influenced by a previous incident involving Priyank Kharge. He also criticised the Congress MLA for seeking permission to express his patriotism, asserting that one should not need approval from party leaders to chant 'Bharat Mata Ki Jai'.
"MLA Laxman Savadi, who understood the true ideology of the Congress after seeing how Minister Priyank Kharge advocated on behalf of those who shouted the slogan 'Pakistan Zindabad', was now scared whether or not he should shout the slogan 'Bharat Mata ki Jai', and asked permission from Kharge. Whatever party you are in, you don't need any top leader's permission to shout 'Bharat Mata ki Jai' Savadi ji. If they misconstrue, so be it. Bharat Mata ji Jai!"
UNI BDN SY CS