Dharma Sansad row: Hate speeches in Mahatma’s land unacceptable, says Gehlot

PTI, Dec 26, 2021, 5:35 PM IST

Jaipur: Targeting the prime minister and other leaders for their ‘silence’ over alleged hate speeches at a Dharma Sansad in Haridwar, Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot on Sunday said such acts in the land of Mahatma Gandhi cannot be tolerated.

He said the ‘language of violence’ allegedly used by the speakers is against the Indian culture and is unacceptable. Gehlot said it was surprising that the prime minister, home minister and the chief minister of Uttarakhand were silent on the issue and the government did not take any action against them.

“The Dharma Sansad held in Uttarakhand has shaken the country. Use of the language of violence is against our culture. The prime minister and the chief minister are silent, and the home minister is keeping mum. Why is action not being taken?” Gehlot told reporters after attending the party’s training camp at Shivdaspura near here.

He said while Gandhi’s birth anniversary is observed across the globe as the International Day of Non-Violence, it is unfortunate that such hate speeches were delivered in his country. “If we do not live with love and harmony, how will the country remain united? Whether it is Hindu, Muslim, Sikh, Christian, Jain, Parsi… everyone has to live together,” he said.

Gehlot also expressed concern over the rising number of COVID-19 cases and said the Centre finally announced booster dose after his government mounted pressure.

“I had been telling them (Centre) for one-and-a-half to two months that they should allow booster dose to people above 60 years and those ill. The booster dose is being administered in several countries. Yesterday, the prime minister announced this and we are happy that he, at least, accepted our point,” Gehlot said.