BJP, Oppn clash over climate activist’s arrest

Vij calls for ‘extermination of seeds of anti-nationalism’

Chandigarh, Feb 15: The action taken by the Delhi Police on an FIR related to a toolkit shared by climate campaigner Greta Thunberg in support of the ongoing farmer protests has triggered a war of words between the Opposition and the ruling BJP.

Accusing the government of “murdering democracy” by using force against a 21-year-old, the Opposition on Monday said the voice of India cannot be silenced even as the BJP defended the action, saying a crime is a crime no matter at what age.

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi led the Opposition offensive following the arrest of 21-year-old Disha Ravi in the case and said the country will not be silenced.

“Your lips are free to speak. Say that the truth is still alive. They are scared, not the country,” he said in a tweet in Hindi.

“India will not be silenced,” he added.

Delhi Chief Minister

Arvind Kejriwal said, “Arrest of 21 year old Disha Ravi is an unprecedented attack on Democracy. Supporting our farmers is not a crime.”

RJD leader Manoj Jha said democracy is under threat. “I am worried about democracy, as it is passing through the most difficult times,” he said.

Union minister and Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader Gajendra Singh Shekhawat tweeted: “If age is the criteria then Param Veer Chakra Second Lt Arun Khetarpal, martyred at 21 is who I am proud of. Not some toolkit propagandists.”

BJP general secretary B L Santosh tweeted, “21 year old...environment activist...student...Are these credentials for becoming a part of breaking India forces? How does she get the access for editing tool kit...? Why she is part of anti-national WhatsApp groups...? Many questions...But only one answer...21 year old.”

“Bengaluru, Greta Thunberg, Vegan, sole bread winner, student, 21 year old, passionate activist...so many attempts to white wash a sin...!! Not one anarchist ready to answer the question...How 21 year old student got access to edit Toolkit,” he asked.

Meanwhile, in a comment on the arrest of climate activist Disha Ravi, Haryana Home minister Anil Vij on Monday urged “extermination from the roots” wherever seeds of anti-nationalism found.

The minister’s remarks came two days after Disha Ravi was held by the Delhi Police for allegedly sharing with climate activist Greta Thunberg the toolkit related to the farmers’ protest against the Centre's farm laws.

The Delhi Police had claimed that the 21-yearold activist was an editor of the “toolkit Google doc” and “key conspirator” in the document's formulation and dissemination.

In the document, various urgent actions, including creating a Twitter storm and protesting outside Indian embassies, were listed to support the protest.

“Whoever harbours the seeds of anti-nationalism in their mind, that has to be destroyed from the roots (samool naash), be it #Disha_Ravi or anyone else, Vij said in a one line tweet in Hindi.

Later, the minister posted a response from the Twitter after a complaint was filed regarding his tweet. The response from Twitter read, We have received a complaint regarding your account, @anilvijminister for the following content (Vij's particular tweet In Hindi (Desh virodh ka beej Whoever harbours the seed..).

We have investigated the reported content and have found that it is not subject to removal under the Twitter Rules or German law. Accordingly, we have not taken any action as a result of this specific report, the response said.