3 days ago
Cong rally slams BJP over remarks by 2 MP ministers on Army
Jabalpur: A 'Jai Hind Sabha' organised by the Congress at the Shaheed Memorial here on Saturday launched a scathing attack on the BJP over its two ministers' controversial remarks against the Army and its officer Col Sofiya Qureshi.
Ex-servicemen gathered at the rally threatened to launch a statewide protest if action is not taken against the ministers.
Addressing the gathering, Maj Gen Shyam Lal Srivastava (retd) said if the BJP state govt does not take action against deputy CM Jagdish Devda and tribal affairs minister Vijay Shah, former soldiers will take to the streets in protest. "There are over 90,000 former soldiers and more than 100,000 active soldiers in the state."
He said the statements made by the ministers were "very unfortunate, and the govt should have taken strict action, but it did not". The MP high court took note of Shah's objectionable statement.
Former CM Kamal Nath, while addressing the gathering, said the large turnout proves your pride in the Army. "Jabalpur is proud to produce ammunition."
He recalled witnessing the Bangladesh War of 1971 and mentioned how Indira Gandhi made strong decisions despite the US pressure. He expressed concern over unemployment, stating that if the youth's future remains bleak, how will the state develop?
Another ex-CM Digvijays Singh said those who did not contribute to the country's Independence were now insulting the soldiers who were willing to die for the nation.
He noted that despite the Army's respect for PM Narendra Modi, the BJP was not taking action against its leaders.
The leader of opposition in the MP assembly, Umang Singhar, said the country's democracy was in danger, with BJP leaders insulting the army. He mentioned that they face mistreatment when they protest, and preparations were underway to "establish a dictatorial regime".
Chhattisgarh former CM Bhupesh Baghel and Congress MP unit president Jitu Patwari also slammed the BJP on issues such as the insult to the army, women's safety, and ceasefire violations.
