Condemning all the acts of statue vandalisation, reported from across the country, the Congress on Wednesday said in a mature democracy there should be tolerance for ideological opposites.
But the party focussed its attack on the BJP after its national secretary H. Raja had put up a Facebook post where he had talked of removing the statues of Periyar, the founder of Dravidar Kazgham and social reformer from Tamil Nadu.
Though the BJP leader deleted the post and expressed regret, the Congress accused the BJP of resorting to hooliganism. “Today in the country, especially those who identify themselves to be RSS and BJP leaders and office-bearers, are resorting to hooliganism,” said Mallikarjun Kharge, Leader of the Congress in the Lok Sabha.
“Damaging the statue of Periyar is not just a big insult to the people of Tamil Nadu but to all the people who believe in his ideology. In a democracy, every ideology exists but the BJP is showing little signs of being tolerant and is increasingly becoming intolerant,” said Mr. Kharge.
The Congress leader pointed out that parties like the DMK and the AIADMK were founded on the philosophy of Periyar. “If there is anyone who empowered Dalits, backwards and the disadvantaged and gave them political power, it is him,” said Mr. Kharge and claimed that several ‘rationalist leaders are under attack from people who have a vested interest.’
Anti-Dalit mindset
Congress’ communication head Randeep Surjewala took to twitter to allege that the now deleted Facebook post of the BJP leader reflects the anti-Dalit mindset of the ruling party.
“The BJP leadership’s deeply ingrained anti-poor, anti-Dalit, anti-women mindset exposed once again. BJP National Secy, H. Raja abuses Periyar & calls for destroying Periyar’s statue. BJP leaders vandalise Periyar’s statue in Vellore. Abhorrent & unacceptable!’ tweeted Mr. Surjewala.
He also pointed out how despite ideological differences, Jana Sangh founder Shyama Prasad Mookerjee was part of Jawaharlal Nehru’s first Cabinet.
