The Bharatiya Janata Party launched a sharp rebuttal against Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi on Wednesday. The party strongly criticized his recent remarks accusing Prime Minister Narendra Modi of suppressing the voice of the Tamil people.
Paswan Challenges Gandhi to Provide Facts
BJP national spokesperson Guru Prakash Paswan directly challenged Rahul Gandhi to present concrete facts supporting his allegations. Paswan stated that Gandhi's comments during his political tour of Tamil Nadu were shameful and lacked any connection to reality or logical reasoning.
"Rahul Gandhi has no moral right to make such statements," Paswan told reporters in New Delhi. "If he has any argument or fact, he should present it before the media."
Highlighting Modi's Tamil Initiatives
Paswan emphasized that over the past eleven years, Prime Minister Modi has shown unprecedented sensitivity toward Tamil language and culture. He pointed to several key initiatives that demonstrate this commitment.
The BJP spokesperson specifically mentioned the Kashi Tamil Sangam 4.0 as a prime example of the government's dedication to Tamil civilization. He stated that such programs reflect the paramount importance the BJP places on Tamil issues and cultural preservation.
Global Recognition for Tamil Language
According to Paswan, the Tamil language has achieved remarkable recognition under the current administration. He claimed that for the first time in India's history, Tamil has received respect and representation not only within national borders but also on prestigious international platforms.
"Tamil language has been showcased on global stages including the United Nations and G-20 summits," Paswan asserted. "This demonstrates the highest honour being given to Tamil culture and traditions."
Accusation of Divisive Politics
The BJP spokesperson accused Rahul Gandhi and opposition allies of engaging in negative politics. He claimed they consistently try to create division within the country by exploiting caste, language, and regional differences.
"Opposition leaders keep trying to create obstacles to peace and stability," Paswan stated. "They spread regionalism, casteism, and linguistic chauvinism instead of focusing on constructive development."
Background of the Controversy
The political exchange originated from Rahul Gandhi's social media post last week. Gandhi had commented on the controversy surrounding the Vijay-starrer film 'Jana Nayagan,' alleging that the Information and Broadcasting Ministry's attempt to block the movie constituted an attack on Tamil culture.
In his post, Gandhi directly addressed Prime Minister Modi, stating: "Mr. Modi, you will never succeed in suppressing the voice of the Tamil people." This remark triggered the BJP's strong response and the subsequent media briefing by Guru Prakash Paswan.
Future Commitment to Tamil Culture
Paswan concluded his remarks by reaffirming the government's ongoing dedication to Tamil cultural preservation. He stated that the Modi government's commitment has always been present and will continue into the future.
The BJP spokesperson called upon Congress and other opposition parties to rise above what he described as negative politics and divisive statements. He emphasized the need for political discourse that focuses on unity and cultural appreciation rather than creating artificial divisions among India's diverse linguistic communities.
