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Mallikarjun Kharge’s remark came hours after Amit Shah took a holy dip in Sangam at Prayagraj during Maha Kumbh mela, the largest religious congregation in the world.
Congress chief Mallikarjun Kharge and Union Home Minister Amit Shah | ANI Image
Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge on Monday courted controversy by targeting Union Home Minister Amit Shah, who took a holy dip in Sangam at Prayagraj, saying that even after 100 births, he wouldn’t ascend to heaven.
Reacting strongly to the remark, the BJP labelled Congress as “anti-Hindu” and asked whether the grand old party can insult other religious sentiments the same way they have been insulting Sanatan for many years.
Shah reached Prayagraj on Monday to take a holy dip in Triveni Sangam during the ongoing Maha Kumbh mela. Accompanied by several Hindu saints and seers, he offered prayers to God during the occasion.
“Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Amit Shah have committed so many sins together that they won’t be able to go to heaven even in 100 lifelines,” said Kharge while addressing a public rally in Madhya Pradesh’s Mhow.
Kharge further intensified his criticism of BJP leaders participating in the holy dip at the Sangam, saying “BJP leaders are in a competition, taking the holy dip as part of a race.”
“Arre bhai, Ganga mein dubki lene se garibi dur hoti hai kya? (By taking a dip in Ganga, will poverty be eradicated? Do you get food by taking a dip” he asked the gathering.
Soon realising the impact of his remarks, Kharge apologised for any unintended hurt his comments may have caused to the religious sentiments of those present at the rally.
BJP Hits Back
BJP leader Sambit Patra quickly responded to the Congress chief’s remark on Shah and other BJP leaders, labelling the grand old party as “anti-Hindu.”
“Such a statement against Sanatan is very shameful. Congress is mocking the sentiments of Hindus and Sanatan. The whole congress should apologise for Kharge’s remark,” Patra said while addressing a press conference.
Hours before leaving for Prayagraj, the Home Minister said that Mahakumbh is a unique symbol of the uninterrupted flow of Sanatan culture.
“Kumbh reflects our eternal philosophy of life-based on harmony. Today, I am eager to take a dip in the confluence and seek the blessings of the saints in this great festival of unity and integrity in the holy city of Prayagraj,” he added.
Shah’s holy dip in Sangam comes days after the entire UP cabinet led by Yogi Adityanath took a holy dip at the Sangam.
The Maha Kumbh is witnessing a huge surge of devotees and pilgrims for the two-month-long festival. On the day of Makar Sankranti alone, over 3.5 crore devotees including seers and saints took a holy dip in the Sangam.
- Location :
Prayagraj, India
