Mumbai, February 17: Central Minister of State Ramdas Athawale has commented on Congress leader Mani Shankar Aiyar’s statement, suggesting that Congress will not come to power under Rahul Gandhi‘s leadership. He noted that even party leaders are beginning to share this sentiment.
In a conversation in Mumbai, Athawale stated that Aiyar’s remarks are accurate. He asserted that the Congress party cannot lead the public and that Rahul Gandhi is unable to strengthen or elevate the party’s status. “This is the essence of what Aiyar said,” he remarked.
Athawale emphasized that Aiyar is a senior leader in Congress and that he has had a good relationship with him. He mentioned that Aiyar is quite upset. He pointed out that leaders from Congress are joining the BJP, and under Rahul Gandhi’s leadership, Congress will not regain power. “The Congress party is only known for making announcements and creating disturbances. There is no substance in Congress. The public has elected PM Modi three times. The people’s trust lies with PM Modi,” he added.
Regarding the recent formation of Tariq Rahman’s government in Bangladesh, Athawale stated that it was established with a majority. He highlighted the strong relations between India and Bangladesh, urging Rahman to foster good ties with India. He noted that to eliminate unemployment in Bangladesh, maintaining a positive relationship with India is essential. PM Modi has congratulated him on his electoral victory, and he believes that future relations between the two countries will be beneficial.
On the Tipu Sultan controversy, Athawale remarked that placing a statue of Tipu Sultan in the office of the Deputy Mayor of Malegaon was inappropriate. He advised the Muslim community not to engage in contentious issues and suggested that Congress leaders should avoid making statements that could incite controversy. “Comparing Tipu Sultan with Shivaji Maharaj is not appropriate. Congress leaders are facing criticism from all sides,” he stated.
Commenting on PM Modi’s visit to Mumbai, Athawale mentioned that the Prime Minister is in the city alongside the President of France. They are expected to discuss trade relations, which will benefit both India and France.
In response to Congress leaders protesting the national song “Vande Mataram,” Athawale asserted that Hari Prasad does not have the right to do so. He questioned whether the leaders are aligned with Congress or Pakistan. “If they are Congress leaders, what is their issue with ‘Vande Mataram’? It is our national song, and opposing it is unacceptable,” he concluded.
