Having stirred a hornet's nest with his remark that "those unwilling to say 'Bharat Mata Ki Jai' have no right to stay in the country", Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Sunday defended himself over his controversial remarks.
He alleged the media put out only a section of his speech with the intention of "creating a controversy".
"In my 50 minute speech, for 45 long minutes I spoke about Maharashtra's drought situation and development and just for 5 minutes I spoke on 'Bharat Mata Ki Jai' and the Shani Shingnapur issue but media picked only 'Bharat Mata Ki Jai' and that too only a part of it. It clearly proves that a section of media is interested in creating controversy only," he said.
While speaking at a public gathering in Nasik Saturday night, Fadnavis has said:
"There is still a dispute over saying 'Bharat Mata Ki Jai' and those refusing to say it, should not have any right to stay here. Those living here should say 'Bharat Mata Ki Jai,"
He now reiterated that he feels it is a problem when someone says, " I won't say Bharat Mata Ki Jai"- saying, and I quote 'There is a limit to Appeasement too'.
Fadnavis claimed, in his yesterday's speech, he had also said the slogan had nothing to do with religion.
"I also mentioned in my speech yesterday that 'Bharat Mata Ki Jai' has nothing to do with religion because I salute those 500 plus patriotic, highly placed and highly respected Muslim clerics who not only did National Flag hoisting at Mahim Dargah (Mumbai) but also chanted 'Bharat Mata Ki Jai' with a feeling of nationalism and patriotism on March 17 on the occasion of 603rd Urs of Hajrat Makhdum Fateh Ali Mahimi. No media is broadcasting this," he added.
(With inputs from PTI)
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