Politicians From India

"I asked Patra to recite one Chaupai of the Ramayana. He doesn’t even know one single word from Ramayana but I have the Sundar Kand (fifth book of the epic) on my fingertips. Does that mean I should ask Sambit Patra to go to Pakistan? No. But whenever I talk about economic issues, he starts shouting Pakistan and Imran Khan."

"In many states, the rate of rape has come down because the prime minister gave women ‘izzatghar’ (toilet)."

"We are fighting not with our names; we are fighting with the name of our supreme leader Narendra Modi."

"Country knows...if there is a Prime Minister without the Gandhi family, then he is merely a shadow Prime Minister, a puppet Prime Minister with the strings lying with the 10 Janpath. In such a scenario, the country knew Singh's strings were lying with 10 Janpath."

"Rahul Gandhi wears a janeu (sacred thread). We want to ask him - he is going to Ujjain - what kind of 'Jenau Dhari' are you? What is your gotra?"

"Palghar mob lynching is a grotesque incident which happened due to rumours on social media about child kidnappers & thieves prowling in the area. A high level inquiry is going on & meanwhile people are requested not to fall for rumours & verify the facts from trusted sources."

"We are releasing the names of accused today, there's no Muslim in the list. There was a sound heard in the video 'Oye Bas', people circulated it online and some called it 'Shoeb Bas'. The state is fighting the pandemic and some people are trying to bring communal angle in this matter."

"None of the accused arrested in connection with the incident is a Muslim. It is unfortunate that communal politics is being played following the incident"

""Even as we guard against the dangers from abroad, we cannot neglect the daunting challenge of terrorism from within our borders," Raje said. The chief minister said no economy is insulated from such threats. "Terrorism continuous to pose a global threat that is becoming increasingly complex and dynamic. This threat is not new, but technology and the Internet have increased its frequency and lethality," she said. Raje said there should be no distinction between terror groups. It is important that countries and institutions work together to ensure infrastructure and citizens are secure."

"Rajasthan is bigger than Germany and has more people than France. Being India’s biggest state without much water is a huge challenge. And having a young demographic profile (34 per cent of our population is between 18 and 39 years) means we need to create eight lakh new jobs every year. All this is complicated by the fact that for many decades after Independence, we lagged behind other states in investments and outcomes in most industrial, economic, education and social development indicators."

"'It makes no sense... If you (the Centre) can allow it (an anti-terror law) in Maharashtra, why not in Rajasthan?'‘There’s no compromise on Sonia as PM. I have no problem with any other person, Priyanka or Rahul’‘India will never have a revolution. China will need one every two-three centuries, their society is hierarchical, has one core centre. India is diverse’‘I want govt to declare Chandigarh a hockey city and put five astroturfs there. Automatically the players will come’‘If you give computers to young children, they start to believe that you don’t have to think, all you have to do is search’"

"One of my lifelong inspirations has been Mahatma Gandhi’s call to “become the change you seek”."

"It is important for policy makers to recognize that we don’t live in an economy but in a society. However, it is also important for them to realize that delivering social outcomes requires economic progress and financial resources. The Rajasthan model of development aims for outcomes and balance in three objectives—social justice, effective governance and job creation."

"This is not a crime, we are in the middle of a war."

"I asked the ruling government in the Parliament whether they had the numbers or data to prove that there was pervasive persecution of Hindus, Buddhists, Jains, Parsis, Sikhs, and Christians. Amit Shah said ‘lakhon-crorodon’ (lakhs and crores) – which is a very tall and unverified claim and not even remotely substantiated. I asked him for the exact number, broken down nation-wise between the three Islamic nations, and there was no answer given."

"I may not be from Bihar but entire India is Asaduddin Owaisi’ father’s proprietary. How? My father, your father, their fathers and their ancestors put their first steps in India. In this way, this country belongs to my ancestors. No one has the courage of calling me an intruder on my ancestors’ land."

"Insulting Prophet (SAW) is unacceptable. Can these criminals acting as religious teachers get over their unnatural fixation with Islam? For something that you do not like, you do spend a lot of time on it. I’m sure there’s enough in your own belief system that you can discuss."

"We will color this country green (color of Islam), no other color will be able to stand before it."

"We should procure this vaccine asap for our children."

"[Political observers feel you are taking a soft nationalist stand.] We are not soft nationalists, we are hardcore nationalists. We have come out of the Anna movement. Under the Anna movement, we put the Indian flag in the hands of every child and it became a matter of pride. We are kattar rashtrabhakt (hardcore patriots)."

""...if such lame excuses are given, then it would be compelled to audit the Delhi government to find out how much money is spent by it to popularise its slogans and messages..." ~ Supreme Court of India judge to Arvind Kejriwal headed Delhi Government while hearing case of air pollution in Delhi. Source article: Delhi Pollution News: Farm fires contribute only 4-10%, not major cause of Delhi pollution, says Supreme Court; Key points: Times of India Dated Nov 15, 2021"

"Tajinder Pal Singh Bagga had earlier tweeted, ‘When a million scoundrels die, a Kejriwal is born.’ He tweeted this on 25th March 2022 reacting to controversial remarks by the Delhi CM in Delhi assembly mocking the genocide of Kashmiri Pandits, which have been depicted in the movie The Kashmir Files."

"[AAP’s manifesto has promised deshbhakti curriculum. What was the need for it?] Gandhiji had said a student who comes out of school or college should have three qualities — he should be a good human being, be capable of earning for his family and should be a hardcore nationalist. We started the happiness curriculum for making them good human beings, entrepreneurship for pet bharne ke liye (earning a meal) and deshbhakti for making them hardcore nationalists."

"The BJP should ask Vivek Agnihotri to upload it on YouTube and everyone will see it for free.”"

"[What do you have to say about the man who fired at Shaheen Bagh and has turned out to be an AAP worker, according to the police?] Delhi Police is being used as a political tool. As I told you, BJP has nothing to counter our work with. When nothing worked, they hurled abuses like terrorist, thug and anti-national at me. Delhi Police is their last resort. Suddenly, before elections they have come up with some photos claiming that he is an AAP member. His family members have denied any links with AAP. The country is watching how Amit Shah is coming up with conspiracies at the last moment. The person must be punished, and if he turns out to be an AAP worker, give him double the punishment."

"[Do you think EC has done enough to check hate speech in the elections?] I think they could have done much more. They could have stopped whatever is going on. They did take some steps but after the bans were lifted, they began all over again…lost any fear."

"“Sadly, Kejriwal, instead of taking the opportunity to learn more and walk away from his past support of those who sought plebiscite and independence of Kashmir, has only sided with those who carried out genocide of the Kashmiri Pandits,” he said."

""The constitution of Pakistan clearly states that a person belonging to only one religion can become the Prime Minister of the country. Baba Sahib's constitution says that any citizen of India can become Prime Minister, CM, or mayor. It is my dream that a day will come when a hijab-clad daughter will become the Prime Minister of this country," Owaisi was quoted as saying by ANI."

"Denying the genocide endured by the Kashmiri Pandits, Kejriwal took a swipe at the BJP and advised them to not promote a ”jhoothi” film. “We will grant you honour. We will give you respect. We will take you along in nation building. We won’t ask you to put up the posters of a jhoothi film. At least stop promoting this movie. It does not behoove you. You came to do something good in politics, not for promoting films and posters,” said Kejriwal while sporting a wide grin."

"We don’t care when you do it, but when we wear green, we will color everything green…insha allah. And no other color will stand before our green insha allah, neither Modi’s color, or Congress’…no one else, but only our green will be there..green, green, green…"

"This is our country…remember this is our country. Our ancestors gave life for the freedom of this country.’ ‘…If you want to create fear, then create the fear of Allah…’ ‘…We will fight for our rights, and we are not saying that we will bring stars from the sky or bring land from the moon. What we are saying is that Majilis flag would waver in the land of Nanpara in Uttar Pradesh.’"

"They never listen to people like me or Asifa Khan the way they listen to Teesta Setalvad even though unlike her, we have no personal agenda. The media prefers talking to those who have made commerce out of other people’s problems. I call such people merchants of misery. Our country would be far more peaceful, and inter-community relations would return to being amicable, if their shops would shut down."

"Anti-Modi sentiment continues to be orchestrated by the media as the definitive truth, irrespective of what the people of Gujarat or courts say. Positive developments about Gujarat are never covered by the media. All that I am telling you, I have narrated the same things to numerous journalists, including those of the prime time T.V channels, like Rajdeep Sardesai and Sagarika Ghosh. But no one pays heed. You know how it is with TV channels; they trap you in their own questions. They only want to project those who abuse Modi. In 2007, in the heat of the very bitter elections-those were the “maut ka saudagar” days-NDTV called us for a special show against the backdrop of the Reliance refinery. When I went there, I was zapped. They had divided the participants into two distinct groups–one was supposed to be pro-Modi and the other anti-Modi. The cameras were going to roll in few minutes and there I was put in the pro-Modi group."

"There is a madrasa near Chhota Udaipur run by Ghulam Vastanvi’s educational trust. During the 2002 riots, this madrasa was surrounded by a riotous mob. About 400 students were trapped inside the madrasa. Some Muslims of the area phoned me since I was a minister in the Vajpayee cabinet. I, at once, informed Narendra Modi about the imminent danger to the lives of all those students, and requested quick action. In this, as well as in all other such cases, Narendrabhai fully cooperated. But the news that came out was all negative. They talked of killings but made no mention of all those who were saved due to Modi’s timely interventions."

"Why have there been no convictions of those who carried out massacres in Moradabad, Bhagalpur, Meerut, and numerous other places? During the regime of Nehru, India witnessed the maximum number of riots. There were terrible riots during the rule of Indira Gandhi and even Rajiv Gandhi. Gujarat was riot-prone even before independence. But they made it out as if riots during Modi regime were communal and all others in Congress regime “secular”."

"Gujarat relief camps were far better run and the government was very cooperative. This is not to say that refugee camps can ever be a pleasant or comfortable place to live in. But, the government made arrangements for food, medical care, and all the rest better than most governments in India do. ... Neither Teesta nor Shabnam Hashmi has much time for them. Hundreds of thousands are still in those camps but do you hear any discussion in the media about those camps? They are already forgotten, but these same people keep ranting about the plight of Muslims in Gujarat relief camps even though those folded by mid-2002, within four months of the riots. .... But, the Gujarat government gave prompt compensation to families who suffered losses, including to those whose business establishments were destroyed. This may not mean much to wealthy Muslims but Rs. 1 or 2 lakh means a lot to the poor. The system put in place by Gujarat government was neither chaotic nor fitful."

"An important aspect of this riot was that it was not as simple as BJP vs. Muslims or just VHP vs. Muslims. Many Congress workers were equally involved. Some of these workers have also been convicted. I personally know of many Congress workers who took an active part in the riots. ...The Congress knows it was complicit in riots. This is the reason why the Congress does not want to mention 2002 in Gujarat but they scream about it only on national television"

"We know what we want—shut down the Ministry for Minority Affairs; just give us our constitutional rights as ordinary citizens. The problem is that they do not give me my rights as an ordinary citizen and then they create the Ministry for Minority Affairs and give us a 15-point programme, which they have no intention of implementing. My message to the Congress Party is: Just give me my basic rights, as is being done by the Gujarat government; we want no special treatment."

"See how Modi met us! He kept track of what time we arrived in the building and came to the elevator to receive us. I was really nervous about the outcome of this meeting. He shook my hand and broke the ice saying in Hindi: “Aayo yaar!” Inside, there was a jhoola (swing). He made me sit next to him on the jhoola. .... After hearing us out with patience, Modi said some of your points are valid but many are exaggerations. ... We saw the point because in contrast to the 2002 riots which lasted 3 days, the riots during Congress regimes used to go on for months on end with some of these earlier riots producing a far higher death toll. The police as well as the administration were thoroughly communalized. It was widely known that the BJP/VHP etc patronized Hindu dons while the Congress party patronized Muslim dons. ... We were touched by the fact that he listened very carefully and gave us proper answers. He had all the facts on his fingertips. We had thus far experienced that Muslims don’t get a proper hearing from any one. We experienced the riots of 1969, of 1985, 1987 and 1992. No chief minister had listened to us. All those were Congress Party chief ministers. They never talked to us. ..."

"Then we began talking of all the riots and asked him: what were you doing on the morning of 27 February 2002? Why did you not call your police and the army? Why did you not go to Juhapura? Why did you not visit refugee camps? The questions that the [Supreme Court of India-appointed Special Investigation Team (SIT)] asked of Modi much later, we asked him all those questions that day."

"Maulana literally made Modi stand in the dock. It is Modi's maturity that even after winning the election with a thumping majority, he listened to all of that."

"Because at that time Modiji used to talk of Gujarati asmita [identity], I said to Mr[.] Modi you are a slightly diluted Gujarati than me. He said: How come? I replied: You know that I am an Ahemadabadi and Ahmedabadis by all accounts are the purest of all Gujaratis while you are from Vadnagar. You are a very impure Gujrati. He said: "Yes, you have a point.""

"It is not just Modi, but the entire Gujarati society has moved on, and is reconstructing a new equation with Muslims. After 2002, we took it upon ourselves to ensure that no Muslim child would be deprived of education simply because his or her family can not afford the fees or buy books. Many Hindus gave us money for it. For example, at the start when we sponsored a Muslim girl’s education in a medical college, one of my Hindu friends said that he will pay for that semester’s fee for the girl. That really boosted my morale and convinced me that humanitarian spirit is alive even in Gujarat. Those who say that there is a lot of Hindu-Muslim hatred in Gujarat are perpetuating a myth. That hostility stayed alive for some time after the riots. Even after 2002, once things settled down and the ice was broken, it is Hindus who extended help to Muslims to rebuild their lives. How much can the Muslims do alone?... Hundreds of Hindu families came for our daughter’s wedding. As the state is experiencing genuine social peace and security, inter-community relations have become far more relaxed. I tell my fellow Muslims, we also must take the initiative to promote social interaction. Muslims cannot continue to live in an alienated, insulated manner. We have not made much effort to familiarise our Hindu brothers about our culture....But today such social interaction has begun to take place all over Gujarat because the ruling party is not acting as a divisive force. It is providing a sense of security by upholding the rule of law. People don’t view each other with as much suspicion as they did when riots were engineered routinely."

"So I sent an email. I was not apologetic about anything. I wrote plainly, "Yes we had fought Modi. But now we feel that we have exhausted all the battle options and realize nothing will come out of it. I will become a hero in the process but I don’t want to become a hero. Therefore, I want to meet Modi and ask him, what is your problem with Muslims?" He forwarded my email to Modi sahib. I am told at first Modi got very agitated saying 'Zafar Sareshwala has created so much gadar against me, led so many demonstrations against me.' But I think he must have also looked into my family background and found that we are good people. I had stated very clearly that we have no agenda. We just want to meet and talk about 2002."

"People who go on and on about the 2002 riots, choose to forget that it was the culmination of an endless series of riots. The worst riots in post-partition India happened in 1969 in Ahmedabad; more than 5,000 Muslims were killed in that massacre. But because there was no 24x7 media, riots in those days went largely undocumented, so no one outside got to know of the 1969 riots. It was a small incident involving a cow but it led to a shocking outburst. At that time, Congress Party’s Hitendrabhai Desai was the chief minister while Indira Gandhi was in power at the Centre. During the 1969 riots, our office, factory, everything was burnt down.... Forget about punishment, not even a single charge sheet was filed after that massacre. The Jagmohan Commission report is there for everyone to see. Entire communities were wiped out, without a trace. Why are people not talking about those victims? Has anyone documented what happened to those 5,000 families? Another major riot took place in 1985 preceded by several smaller ones. It went on for months on end. Again, our factory and our house were set on fire. In 1985, Madhavji Solanki of Congress Party was in power in Gujarat and Rajiv Gandhi at the Centre. Between 1985 and 2002, people came to expect that after every 2-3 months there would inevitably be a riot. At one time, the curfew lasted 200 days. During the 1987 riots also, Amar Singh Chaudhury of the Congress Party was the CM. This was followed by riots in 1990. At that time too, Congress Party’s Chimanbhai Patel was the chief minister. Again, our factory was burnt down. In 1992 also, it was set on fire. Chimanbhai Patel was the chief minister even at that time.... The truth is that while the earlier governments remained indifferent; after each riot, the Hindus themselves helped the rehabilitation of Muslims. I always say that if the Gujarati Hindus were 100 per cent communal, the Muslims would have been destroyed long ago. It is because Hindus are not communal that Muslims continue to prosper in Gujarat. All those riots were politically engineered and the Congress Party was the prime culprit."

"Please note that when we asked for a meeting with Modi he was not yet a hero but one of the most hated figures; he was called Milosevic, Hitler, and so on. Now, there is a long line of people waiting to meet Modi sahib and competing with each other to praise him to the skies, but at that time no Muslim was willing to approach him openly.... Here we were praying in anxiety about our first meeting with Modi, when bang came the first headline against me: “Zafar Sareshwala takes a U-turn on Modi.” The very same people who treated me as a hero earlier, now attacked me furiously. .... All hell broke loose when I issued a statement saying, “We welcome the visit of Narendra Modi, who is the democratically elected chief minister of Gujarat.” Suddenly, from a hero, I became a villain... Because I am a businessman, I could absorb the attacks on me by the anti-Modi lobby. But the poor Maulana, oh my God, he was branded as kaafir. Bahut zaleel kiya unko. He was humiliated no end!"

"As soon as he came to know that I had arrived, he got his secretary to call me and find out when I intended to see him. When I went to meet him, he said, “Tell me about specific problems of the Muslim community. Muslims don’t have to vote for us but they should at least get their work done from the government.”"

"The Congress was lifeless till the Khilafat Committee put life in it. When the Khilafat Committee joined it, it did in one year what the Hindu Congress had not done in 40 years. The Congress also did the work of uplifting the seven crores of untouchables. This was purely a work for the Hindus, and yet the money of the Congress was spent on it. Mine and my Musalman brethren's money was spent on it like water. But the brave Musalmans did not mind. Then why should the Hindus quarrel with us when we Musalmans take up the Tanzim work and spend on it money that belongs neither to the Hindus nor to the Congress?"

"If we remove British rule from this country and establish Swaraj, and if the Afghans or other Muslims invade India, then we Muslims will oppose them and sacrifice all our sons in order to save the country from the invasion. But one thing I shall declare plainly. Listen, my dear Hindu brothers, listen very attentively! If you put obstacles in the path of our Tanzirn movement, and do not give us our rights, we shall make common cause with Afghanistan or some other Musalman power and establish our rule in this country."

"We are prepared to accept joint electorates on the conditions named by me: Firstly, that the rights at present enjoyed by the Musalmans in the minority Provinces should be continued to them; that in the Punjab and in Bengal they should have two joint electorates and representation on a population basis; that there should be the principle of reservation of seats coupled with Maulana Mahomed Ali's condition."