Devendra Fadnavis sets off new row over Bharat Mata' slogan
Maharashtra CM wants those against it to leave country.
Nashik/Mumai: Amid the raging debate over nationalism, Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has said that those unwilling to say “Bharat Mata Ki Jai” have no right to stay in the country.
“There is still a dispute over saying “Bharat Mata Ki Jai”. Those opposing the call to say it should not have any right to stay here. Those living here should say “Bharat Mata Ki Jai,” Fadnavis said at a public meeting late on Saturday night.
However, on Sunday, while Mr Fadnavis stuck to his guns, he however said the slogan had nothing to do with religion. He alleged the media put out only a part of his speech with the intention of “creating a controversy”.
He also criticised Congress V-P Rahul Gandhi for “backing” those who chant anti-national slogans. In a statement, Mr Fadnavis said in his speech in Nashik he had spoken about “Bharat Mata Ki Jai” slogan only briefly but it was picked up by the media.