Nagpur, Oct 26 Union Minister Ramdas Athawale on Monday said the government cannot be changed through agitations and by making remarks against someone’s father, as he slammed Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge over his remarks against Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
Asserting that what happened in Bangladesh won’t happen in India, Athawale said the power can be changed only through popular mandate and elections conducted democratically.
Kharge on Sunday sparked a controversy with his remarks “Modi ka baap bhi jayega”, in response to an audience member’s comment that “the PM would not go anywhere”, during an event in Patna.
Addressing a news conference in Nagpur, Athawale said the use of such words is not appropriate.
“People will decide who comes to power. This country’s government cannot be changed through agitations. You have the right to change things by democratic means. In 2029, you (Opposition) go before the public and try to come to power. You cannot come to power by making remarks against someone’s father,” he said.
Athawale said the “vote theft” charge has been raised repeatedly and the Election Commission has been handling the issue. “The ECI has very strict procedures,” he added.
Responding to allegations over the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls, Athawale said this exercise doesn’t intend to do injustice to anyone.
“If someone’s name has been removed (from the voters list) deliberately and they feel it was done on purpose, they should re-enrol and fill the form, as ordered by the Election Commission,” he said.
Athawale further said the Election Commission should prepare a list of “clean voters” and ensure that no injustice is meted out to anyone.
“The ECI should consider a scenario wherein if a person’s name is missing (from voters’ rolls) because he is/she is relocated or for some other reason, can that person vote using the Aadhaar card?
“The Election Commission should consider this question under the new system so every person has the right to vote. Whether the vote goes to Congress, BJP, or anyone else, if someone’s name is missing by mistake, then can that person vote using the Aadhaar card? This factor also needs to be considered,” he added.
Athawale exuded confidence that PM Narendra Modi will retain power in the 2029 elections.
“Governments are not changed by agitations. What happened in Bangladesh cannot happen in our country. Until there is the Constitution given by Dr B R Ambedkar, power can change only through majority processes, and everyone has the right to seek that change.
“In 2029, they (Opposition) should try their luck. We (NDA) will win polls in four poll-bound states,” he added.
(PTI News)
