Azam Khan hits back,brings up Modi’s ‘puppy’ remark

He was referring to Modi’s controversial remark on the Gujarat 2002 riots,in which he had said that even if a puppy came under the wheels of his car it would be painful,which was slammed as insensitive by his critics.

Addressing a rally in Bahraich,Modi had alleged that SP was indulging in corruption while the people of the state were suffering due to lack of infrastructure. Taking a dig,he had said only constituencies of UP CM Akhilesh Yadav and his minister Azam Khan were getting uninterrupted power while the other parts were in darkness.

Without naming any party or leader,Khan cautioned against “Gujaratisation” of the country and said “a fascist move is on to make whole of Hindustan as Gujarat.” Advocating a relationship of faith and unity among the people of India,he said,”Those having a religious or casteist mindset and identity can never move forward. Only those who nourish humanity lead the way.”

He condemned the Muzaffarnagar riots and expressed concern that certain rioters were still at large. Apparently perturbed by media’s criticism,the minister said,”TV has assigned to itself all responsibilities; to reform the society,to reform us (politicians),to lead the way to justice and to punish the guilty and I can only thank them.” He alleged that a section of electronic media was crossing all limits of civility and decency.

Dismissing allegations that he was communal,the minister said,”I am not communal at all. People may level such baseless allegations,but I promise to quit politics if any of these allegations are proved.” He urged people to vote forSamajwadi Party and its Kheri nominee Ravi Verma. “Congress or BJP or another party of UP has no right to seek the people’s mandate,” he said.

Urging people of all communities to establish relations of love,he said attacks on certain structures of particular communities had harmed relations. Khan,while avoiding naming any political party or leader,said,”It would be a sin to allow those into power who killed Bapu.”