Maha Kumbh stampede unfortunate, but Congress hurting Hindu sentiments more so, says B Y Vijayendra

Mysuru: BJP state president B Y Vijayendra on Thursday said that the death of devotees due to the stampede during Maha Kumbh Mela at Prayagraj in Uttar Pradesh is unfortunate, but the attitude of the Congress to hurt Hindu sentiments is more unfortunate.

Speaking to media persons in Mysuru on Thursday Vijayendra said, he is saddened by the stampede and condoled the death of the devotes.

“All Congress leaders, who are speaking ill about the mela, that happens just twice in three centuries, are unfits. The current mela is happening after a gap of 144 years, multiple generations away, but the Congress leaders are not tired of condemning it, instead of making constructive criticism. Their only objective is to hurt the beliefs and sentiments of Hindus,” he said.

No harm to PM's reputation

Responding to a derogatory statement of Minister Santhosh Lad against Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Vijayendra said, the reputation of the PM will not diminish if somebody speaks rubbish against him. Referring to Lad, in singular, Vijayendra asked, "who is Lad to speak about the PM?"

"Lad thinks that he can speak anything and get away with it. People are observing the developments and they will react to it, at the right time," he said.

Communication gap

In reply to a question on the comments of MP Dr K Sudhakar against him, Vijayendra said, “I am not such a big person, not to receive a call from a leader like Dr Sudhakar. I do not know in what context he criticised me. Four days ago, he had messaged me that he wants to speak to me. But, that did not happen as I was away in Delhi. However, he did not call me. There is only a communication gap”.

Vijayendra said, he is ready to accept any criticism, for the sake of the party. “I am not at war with anyone. I have become president to strengthen the party by taking all leaders along. I learn from everybody. For me, the party is important. I am ready to talk to Dr Sudhakar, with an open mind,” he said.

Chikkaballapur president

To a question on the nomination of BJP Chikkaballapur district president, Vijayendra said, he has no role in it and there is no question of taking Dr Sudhakar into confidence on this issue. “The party in-charge recommends the names to the high-command and they take a decision. Dr Sudhakar lacks information and experience on this issue. Thus, I have become a target,” he said.

Reacting to the rumours that the state BJP president would also be changed, he said, elections are being held for all levels. “There is internal election for even national president in the BJP. So, let us see what happens,” he said.

Vijayendra also said it is not true that he is being targetted because he is the son of former chief minister B S Yediyurappa. “I am proud to be his son. I have learnt a lot from his life,” he added.