The Bhaatiya Janata Party continued its tirade against Home Minister P Chidambaram for using the phrase "saffron terror" and said the United Progressive Alliance government has "defamed" Indian culture by connecting the colour with terrorism.
"The UPA government is now defaming Indian culture by connecting the symbol of Indian culture -- saffron colour with terrorism. The BJP will not allow this conspiracy to succeed," BJP chief Nitin Gadkari said addressing a party function in New Delhi.
Accusing the government of failing to tackle the law and order situation in Kashmir, he said after forcing Kashmiri Pandits to leave the Valley, the separatist forces are now asking about one lakh Sikhs to either convert to Islam or leave the Valley. "The condition of the country today is explosive and worrisome," he said.
Targeting the government on the preparations for the Commonwealth Games, he alleged embezzlement of crores of funds in the name of the event. The BJP chief also came down heavily on the government over rotting of foodgrains and said even after the directions of the Supreme Court, foodgrains are not being distributed free of cost among the poor.
Gadkari said Prime Minister Manmohan Singh "claims" to be an economist but during his tenure the poor are becoming poorer. "Farmers are committing suicide... They are not getting fair price of their produce," he said. Gadkari also attacked the government for not carrying out the capital punishment against Parliament attack convict Afzal Guru.
Addressing the gathering, Delhi BJP chief Vijendra Gupta demanded dismissal of Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit for diverting nearly Rs 680 crore meant for welfare of SC/ST communities to Commonwealth Games projects.
