NDA partners raise beef issue at PM’S unity dinner
Allies express resentment over lack of sensitivity in dealing with local issues but repose faith in Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership
Prime Minister Narendra Modi told NDA allies on Monday night that there were no differences between them, though some of the partners made discordant noises over issues such as the ban on beef and liquor shops.
Modi tried to reach out to the allies, delivering a simple message on Tuesday to the NDA constituents to remove anxieties they might have had about the “Big Brother” BJP.
“Aap hum hain, hum aap hain (you are us, we are you),” he said at a meeting, an outreach to the partners in the backdrop of the BJP’S big wins in the Uttar Pradesh and Uttarakhand elections.
His remarks were in response to several NDA allies expressing resentment over a lack of sensitivity in dealing with local issues and culture. “Government should ideally avoid occasional reference to issues such as beef, and instead should strive hard to ensure progammes announced for Dalits and backward classes reach them,” suggested CK Janu, head of the Kerala-based Janadhipathya Rashtriya Sabha.
The ban on beef and the slaughter of cows is an emotive issue for the BJP and its ideological mentor, the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), as well as Hindu right-wing outfits. RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat demanded on Sunday a national law banning the killing of cows.
Janu’s remarks at the Ndameet, also attended BJP chief Amit Shah, reflects unease within allies, particularly parties from southern India and Northeast, on issues such as beef.
The Goa Forward Party (GFP) flagged concerns over the Supreme Court’s ban on sale of liquor within 500 metres of state and national highways, an order that will impact the tiny state’s economic mainstay — the tourism industry. Also, the party is unhappy with a ban on loud music at night.
The allies, however, reposed faith in the leadership of Modi and asked people to vote his government back to power in 2019 to continue with welfare schemes.
Also, Modi advised fellow BJP members at a separate meeting to become dedicated social workers like Hanuman, underlining the Hindu god’s legendary selfless service to the people. “Take inspiration from Hanuman. He never took anything from anyone but he kept giving. You also need to give to people like him,” he said, after his customary Hanuman Jayanti greetings.
“When Lakshman went into coma, Hanumanji went to find a cure without any prodding. Similarly, MPS must go ahead without waiting for instructions. They need to carry forward the government’s work among the masses.” The Prime Minister’s message to his allies struck an instant chord. The Shiv Sena and Shiromani Akali Dal — considered tough partners — responded with effusion.
The 89-year-old Akali patriarch Parkash Singh Badal said the BJP would rule the country for 50 years.
Sena chief Uddhav Thackeray pledged to stay united with the BJP. The Sena has had frequent run-ins with its coalition partner in Maharashtra and the Centre. Modi spoke about expanding the coalition ahead of the 2019 general elections and continuing the welfare schemes that helped the BJP win a series of polls after coming to power three years ago.