Guwahati, Apr 2: Union minister Nitin Gadkari on Thursday asserted that the BJP was not against any caste, religion or language, and that unity in diversity “is our essence”.
Addressing a poll rally in Assam’s Palasbari constituency, he said that the relaxation on granting voting rights to people of specific religion was as per the “margdarshan” (guidance) of the Constitution.
“The BJP is not against any caste, region, religion or language. Unity in diversity is our essence. But the foreign nationals who come, should they be granted voting rights? What will happen to you all then?” Gadkari said.
The senior BJP leader claimed the Constitution provides the “margdarshan” in this regard as “Sikhs, Hindus, Buddhists, Jains are ‘nirvasit’ (exiled) and do not have any other country”.
He was apparently referring to citizenship granted to persecuted religious minorities from neighbouring countries under the Citizenship (Amendment) Act.
Gadkari, however, asserted that voting rights cannot be extended to “other foreigners”.
“But for other foreigners, who have come illegally, no country can allow them voting rights,” he said.
The Minister of Road Transport & Highways also said the BJP-led government has transformed Assam in the last decade, and promised of more accelerated progress if it returns to power.
Listing various road communication projects completed or underway in the state as well as the northeast under the central government, he said, “I can assure that the entire road network in Assam will resemble that of America in the next three years.”
Crediting the people for electing BJP-led governments in the last two assembly elections, the Union minister asked them to repose their trust in the party once again to take the state forward.
Gadkari said that for any state to progress, it must address three major issues – poverty, starvation and unemployment.
Industrialisation, trade and agriculture need to get a boost for it, with availability of water, power, transport and communication networks, he said.
Assembly polls in Assam will be held on April 9. Votes will be counted on May 4.
