Amidst the verdant landscapes of Shimla, Union Minister Anurag Thakur launched a scathing indictment against the Congress, alleging a linguistic allegiance to Pakistan among its leadership residing within India. In a fiery diatribe delivered in Sujanpur, he contended that the venerable political entity seeks the favor of Pakistan to sway the electorate. “Opposition figures, particularly those of the Congress, persistently vocalize sentiments sympathetic to Pakistan, undermining the foundational principles of Sanatam Dharma and denigrating the Hindu community, all while advocating for increased benefits for individuals with multiple spouses and offspring,” Thakur asserted before a gathering of journalists.
Accusing the Congress of practicing a politics of appeasement, Thakur claimed that it actively solicits support from Pakistan to secure votes. He further insinuated that on occasion, Congress leaders espouse rhetoric reminiscent of China, suggesting a disconcerting alliance with foreign powers. “These actors harbor intentions to debilitate the armed forces and dismantle our nuclear arsenal,” he asserted with palpable conviction.
Thakur raised probing questions regarding the Congress’s reallocation of quotas designated for Other Backward Classes, Scheduled Castes, and Scheduled Tribes, insinuating a preferential treatment towards the Muslim community. He challenged the party’s motives behind advocating for the disarmament of India’s nuclear capabilities, positing a dubious alignment with Pakistan’s interests.
Without explicitly naming individuals such as Farooq Abdullah of the National Conference and seasoned Congress stalwart Mani Shankar Aiyar, Thakur condemned their remarks regarding Pakistan’s possession of nuclear weapons. “Allow me to remind them that we stand as a nuclear power, with a military capable of executing surgical strikes and neutralizing threats within enemy territory,” he declared with unwavering resolve.
He extolled the courage of women who, juxtaposing femininity with firepower, wield both bangles and AK-47 rifles, exemplifying the audacity to repel infiltrators. Thakur’s presence in Sujanpur was part of a concerted effort to galvanize support for Rajinder Rana, the BJP’s nominee in the upcoming assembly bypoll. Rana, who secured victory over Thakur’s father, former Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister PK Dhumal, in the 2017 elections, defected to the BJP following the Rajya Sabha elections.
As Rana submitted his nomination papers on that eventful Friday, Thakur implored the electorate to cast their votes in favor of the BJP, thereby ensuring the establishment of a robust, dual-engine government.