PM Modi interacting with BJP leaders via his app.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi appears to be miffed with his 'loudmouthed' party leaders. During an interaction with BJP MPs, MLAs and leaders through his mobile app on Sunday, PM Modi advised them to refrain from making 'irresponsible' statements. While pointing out that their responsibility has increased with the growing public support for the party, PM Modi said that the media often picks up their statements and present them before the public which hurts the party's image.
"Sometimes our workers blame the media. But have we ever thought that we provide 'masala' to media through our own mistakes? Whatever be the issue, we start speaking, as soon as we spot a camera. They'll (media) obviously use parts of your sentences as per their convenience. It isn't media which is at fault. We'll have to control ourselves," PM Modi said.
PM Modi's 'instructions' to BJP leaders has come at a time when the Opposition has been using remarks by some of the party representatives over various issues to score political points. The ruling party has been facing a united Opposition over several sensitive topics, including Dalit and caste issues. The BJP leadership has been left red-faced on several occasions in the past due to party leaders making reckless remarks and this was not the first occasion when PM Modi was seen 'tutoring' his partymen over the same issue.
Another Modi minister issues controversial statement
At a time when PM Modi has taken a strong view of his ministers issuing statements which could hurt the government's image, one of his Cabinet colleagues found himself in trouble for speaking something exactly what his leader asked not to. Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Labour and Employment Santosh Gangwar provided fresh fodder to the Opposition.
"Such incidents (rape cases) are unfortunate. However, sometimes you can't stop them. Government is vigilant everywhere, investigations are being conducted. In a nation as big as India, one or two incidents of rape should not be hyped," Gangwar said triggering a wave of criticism.
The minister, however, later clarified himself and blamed the media for twisting his statement but the damage had been done.
"I have said that media should not twist statement and act responsibly. This is very serious and sensitive matter. Our government under leadership of Shri Narendra Modi ji is very sensitive and it is government's progressive step to safeguard children and women. Ordinance is a step towards same," Gangwar said.
Speaking during his 'Bharat Ki Baat Sabke Saath' event in London last week, PM Modi, while responding to a question regarding rising cases of crime against women in India, had stressed that issues like rape should not be politicised.
“A rape is a rape. How can we tolerate this exploitation of our daughters? But can we compare the number of rapes in different governments? We can’t say there were this many rapes in our government and that many in yours. There cannot be a worse way to deal with this issue,” PM Modi had said.
Recent 'irresponsible' remarks by BJP leaders
Tripura CM Biplab Deb
"Internet and satellite communication had existed in the days of Mahabharata. Sanjaya (the charioteer of king Dhritarashtra) using the technology gave a detailed account and description to the blind king about the battle of Kurukshetra". | Read the story here
Union Minister Giriraj Singh (after BJP suffered loss in Lok Sabha bypolls in Bihar)
"The RJD has started a new political culture for its political ambitions... They have spawned an extremist ideology which is a danger not only to Bihar but also to the country in the coming days. It (Araria) will become a hub of terrorism". | Read the story here
Union minister Satyapal Singh
"Darwin's theory (of evolution of humans) is scientifically wrong. It needs to change in school and college curriculum. Since the man is seen on Earth he has always been a man. Nobody, including our ancestors, in written or oral, have said they saw an ape turning into a man". | Read the story here
