"Quite shocking": Shashi Tharoor on Maharashtra Minister Nitesh Rane's "EVM" remarks
Shashi Tharoor and Brinda Karat Condemn Nitesh Rane's Remarks on EVMs
In Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, Congress MP Shashi Tharoor expressed his disapproval of Maharashtra minister Nitesh Rane's comments about Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs). Tharoor described the remarks as "shocking" and against the inclusive values of India's freedom struggle. He emphasized that targeting any community is wrong and that all citizens are equal, which is essential for the country's progress.
Tharoor stated, "This kind of thing is quite shocking. In our country, we really have to understand the basic lesson of the freedom struggle, which is that when one set of people said that religion is the basis of their nationhood. They went away and created Pakistan. Mahatma Gandhi onwards, our leader said we have fought for the freedom of everybody. We will create a country for everybody, we will write a constitution for everybody, and everybody will live here with equal rights."
He further added, "I must say that people picking on any one community, whether it's against Muslims, Hindus, Christians, or any caste, that is all wrong. We are all equal individual citizens of India, and that is the only basis on which our country can progress."
The controversy arose after Nitesh Rane, Maharashtra's Fisheries and Ports Minister, reportedly made derogatory remarks at a Hindu Garjana Sabha in Sangli, saying, "EVM means, Every Vote against Mullah."
Brinda Karat, a leader from the Communist Party of India (Marxist), also condemned Rane's remarks and demanded his arrest. She labeled the comments as hate speech and criticized the BJP and RSS for allowing Rane to remain in his ministerial position. Karat stated, "This is a hate speech and this man should be arrested. This man is a threat to India as this is not the first time he has made such an outrageous communal statement... The fact that he continues as a minister is a reflection of the hypocrisy of the BJP and the RSS... Prime Minister talks of the Constitution and here his minister is destroying the basic foundation of the Constitution through this hate speech, so he must be removed from his post."
Doubts Revealed
Shashi Tharoor
Shashi Tharoor is a well-known Indian politician, author, and a Member of Parliament (MP) from the Congress party. He is known for his eloquent speeches and writings.
Brinda Karat
Brinda Karat is a senior leader of the Communist Party of India (Marxist), often abbreviated as CPI(M). She is known for her activism and work on social issues.
Nitesh Rane
Nitesh Rane is a politician from Maharashtra, India, and a minister in the state government. He is known for his controversial statements and actions.
EVMs
EVMs stand for Electronic Voting Machines, which are used in India to conduct elections. They help in recording votes electronically instead of using paper ballots.
Hindu Garjana Sabha
Hindu Garjana Sabha is a gathering or meeting organized by certain groups to discuss issues related to the Hindu community. It is often used to promote specific agendas or viewpoints.
Hate speech
Hate speech refers to any speech, gesture, or conduct that incites violence or prejudicial action against a particular group or individual based on attributes like religion, race, or ethnicity.
Constitutional values
Constitutional values in India refer to the principles and ideals enshrined in the Indian Constitution, such as democracy, secularism, equality, and justice for all citizens.
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