PVN Madhav calls statements inflammatory, says they have no place in responsible politics

VIJAYAWADA: Bharatiya Janata Party Andhra Pradesh president PVN Madhav on Sunday strongly condemned remarks made by Congress national president Mallikarjun Kharge, asserting that statements designed to inflame communal tensions would not be accepted by any section of society.

Mr. Madhav said it was deeply objectionable for any leader to speak with the intent of targeting and destroying a particular community. He demanded that Mr. Kharge issue an immediate and unconditional public apology, and called upon the government to register a case and arrest him for making such remarks. Such statements, he said, had no place in political discourse.

The BJP State president said that at a time when the party was committed to the inclusive philosophy of 'Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas', remarks aimed at driving a wedge between Hindu and Muslim communities deserved the strongest condemnation.

Mr. Madhav also took strong exception to the allegations levelled against the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh, describing it as an organisation that had consistently promoted national unity and patriotism. He recalled numerous instances where RSS volunteers had worked alongside the police and the armed forces during natural disasters, rendering relief and rehabilitation services. Targeting such an organisation to provoke public sentiment was unethical, he said, adding that Mr. Kharge's remarks represented a new low in political conduct.