RJD MP sparks row with ‘slavery' claim
The Jehanabad MP, a PhD holder from Magadh University, made the remarks during an Independence Day function in his constituency. Known for tearing up the Women's Reservation Bill in the Lok Sabha in 1998 — later claiming B R Ambedkar appeared in his dream to ask him to do so — Surendra also made factually incorrect statements about Nathuram Godse, saying he was "released on a bond after apologising to the British" in Mahatma Gandhi's murder case, despite Godse being hanged in 1949.
"In the next 17 years, India's condition will be worse than Sri Lanka, Pakistan and Bangladesh. Every person will be fighting among themselves and the country will move towards slavery," he said.
BJP state media cell in-charge Danish Eqbal called the remarks "shameful" and "an insult to the country's freedom and democracy". He said, "Calling India, which has surprised the world in science, technology, the army, economy and democracy in 79 years, a slave shows his mental bankruptcy.
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Statements against Gujarat and the Indian Army expose his narrow and anti-national mentality."
He added, "Bihar saw real slavery under RJD misrule when crime, corruption and nepotism ruined the state. Today, under PM Narendra Modi, India is moving towards self-reliance and becoming Vishwa Guru. In 17 years, India will be the world's largest economy and strongest democracy."
JD(U) spokesperson Arvind Nishad said, "People are laughing at their knowledge. The way he spoke is very unfortunate. This is the culture of RJD."
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