Jaipur: Rajasthan Education and Panchayati Raj Minister Madan Dilawar on Tuesday objected to the Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge’s reported comparison of Diwali with Eid, calling it ‘shameful’ and demanding an apology to the country.
Speaking to media during his Diwali visit to Ramganj Mandi, Dilawar said comparing Diwali, celebrated to mark Lord Ram’s return to Ayodhya, with Eid was inappropriate and hurtful to Hindu sentiments.
He described Diwali as a festival associated with non-violence and charity and alleged that it could not be compared with Eid because of the practice of animal sacrifice during the latter festival.
He termed the comparison an insult to Hindus and the country and said the Congress President should apologise.
Dilawar also said that if Congress leaders had even a little commitment to Hindutva and nationalism, they should reconsider their association with the party.
He also accused the former Congress President Sonia Gandhi of being ‘anti-Hindutva’.
Reiterating his criticism, the Minister said that a foreign-born woman or her son could never work for the welfare of the country.
Earlier, Dilawar celebrated Diwali with residents and business owners in his Ramganj Mandi Assembly constituency.
Minister Dilawar visited several markets and extended Diwali and New Year greetings to traders.
Beginning his visit from Agrasen Guest House, the Minister interacted with traders, enquiring about their well-being.
Traders welcomed their MLA by offering sweets and extending festive greetings.
At Pannalal Square, Dilawar garlanded the statue of martyr Pannalal and paid tribute to him.
He also greeted Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) workers and prominent citizens, wishing that Diwali would bring happiness and prosperity to people across Rajasthan.
The Minister expressed hope that the state would achieve all-round development and emerge as a leading state in the country.
The programme concluded with slogans praising Shri Ram.
(IANS)
