Cong hits out at BJP over 'raj dharma' comment

February 29, 2020 12:57

The Congress on Saturday hit out at the BJP and the central government after Union Law Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad told the principal Opposition party to not preach "raj dharma" to the government.

Slamming Prasad's remarks, senior Congress leader and former Union minister Kapil Sibal said that Opposition cannot preach "raj dharma" to the Centre's BJP government as "listening, learning, and obeying such duties" is not in BJP's disposition.

Responding to Union Law Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad's remarks that Congress could not preach raj dharma to the government, Sibal on Saturday said: "How can we, Mr Minister? When you did not listen to Vajpayee ji in Gujarat, why would you listen to us! Listening, learning and obeying Rajdharma not one of your government's strong points."

Sibal was alluding to former prime minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee's famous remarks wherein he reminded the then Gujarat chief minister Narendra Modi to follow "raj dharma" during 2002 anti-Muslim riots in the state.

'Raj dharma' refers to the duty of a ruler to establish justice among his subjects and not discriminate on the basis of religion, race, caste, creed, laguage on or any other basis.

The remarks have come as parts of north-east Delhi have been hit by violence since Sunday. At least 42 people, including a police head constable, have died while around 200 people have been injured in the violence.

Congress leaders Subhash Chopra and Sushmita Dev too questioned the government over its inaction to secure the citizens.

"What has the government been doing since day one? Initially, the death toll was six and now it has risen to 42. We had a meeting with the Delhi Police Commissioner and others. They assured us that action would be taken. We need action against those who incited violence through inflammatory speeches," Chopra noted.

Former Lok Sabha MP Sushmita Dev said that the BJP is a "failed government".

"They (BJP government) have not been able to secure their citizens. Amid his failures, the only solution Ravi Shankar Prasad has is to blame the Opposition. It is not only absurd but a blatant lie. And I think lies are the basic dharma of the BJP and the country knows that," she added.

-- ANI

« Back to LIVE

TOP STORIES

Here's what EC has to say on delay in voter turnout figures

This is for the first time the EC has officially come out with a statement on allegations of delay in sharing turnout data.

Ex-Delhi batter Milind in USA squad for T20 World Cup

Milind Kumar played seven seasons for Delhi in Ranji Trophy along with stints for Sikkim and Tripura before he migrated to the US in search of better opportunities.

West Indies pacer Joseph gets surprise call-up for T20 World Cup

Shamar Joseph has only played three T20 matches in franchise-based leagues and has not taken a wicket.

IPL PIX: Bumrah on fire as MI limit KKR to 169

Images from the IPL 2024 match between Mumbai Indians and Kolkata Knight Riders.

Rohith Vemula not a Dalit, he ended life because....: Police closure report

The Cyberabad police that investigated the case informed the court that Rohith Vemula did not belong to Scheduled Caste and that he was aware of it.