 "Anti-Muslim remarks: Sena says it's Kadam's personal view")
Under fire over the "anti-Muslim" remarks by its leader Ramdas Kadam at the NDA rally here ahead of BJP's PM nominee Narendra Modi's address, the Shiv Sena today said those were personal views of Kadam and did not reflect the party position.
"The statements made by Shri Ramdas Kadam do not echo the sentiments of Shri Balasaheb Thackeray, Uddhav-ji Thackeray and the Shiv Sena party. It is his personal view. The party's stand on Hindutva is clear, and voiced by Uddhav-ji time and again," a Sena spokesperson said.
Senior BJP leader Gopinath munde also sought to downplay the remarks, saying, "What Kadam meant was that action would be taken against Pakistanis and Bangladeshis illegally staying here and who are enrolled as voters."
Kadam, who was speaking when Modi reached the stage at the rally held here yesterday, said, "These Muslims riot against the police and burnt their vehicles. They vandalised the statues of our martyrs. These Muslims molest our women policemen...I am sure that Narendra Modi will ensure that such acts do not go unpunished."
Kadam's comments were in reference to the Azad Maidan riots in Mumbai in 2012.
Kadam then went on to target Pakistan, saying, "Remember the days of 1993 blasts in Mumbai. Life of many Hindus was saved because of late Shiv Sena supremo Balasaheb Thackeray and Shiv Sena. Now, if Modi comes to power, he will destroy the Pakistan in six months.
"The statements made by Shri Ramdas Kadam do not echo the sentiments of Shri Balasaheb Thackeray, Uddhav-ji Thackeray and the Shiv Sena party. It is his personal view. The party's stand on Hindutva is clear, and voiced by Uddhav-ji time and again," a Sena spokesperson said.
Senior BJP leader Gopinath munde also sought to downplay the remarks, saying, "What Kadam meant was that action would be taken against Pakistanis and Bangladeshis illegally staying here and who are enrolled as voters."
Kadam, who was speaking when Modi reached the stage at the rally held here yesterday, said, "These Muslims riot against the police and burnt their vehicles. They vandalised the statues of our martyrs. These Muslims molest our women policemen...I am sure that Narendra Modi will ensure that such acts do not go unpunished."
Kadam's comments were in reference to the Azad Maidan riots in Mumbai in 2012.
Kadam then went on to target Pakistan, saying, "Remember the days of 1993 blasts in Mumbai. Life of many Hindus was saved because of late Shiv Sena supremo Balasaheb Thackeray and Shiv Sena. Now, if Modi comes to power, he will destroy the Pakistan in six months.
You’ve reached your limit of {{free_limit}} free articles this month.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
Already subscribed? Log in
Subscribe to read the full story →*Subscribe to Business Standard digital and get complimentary access to The New York Times
Smart Quarterly
₹900
3 Months
₹300/Month
SAVE 25%
Smart Essential
₹2,700
1 Year
₹225/Month
SAVE 46%
*Complimentary New York Times access for the 2nd year will be given after 12 months
Super Saver
₹3,900
2 Years
₹162/Month
Subscribe
Renews automatically, cancel anytime
Here’s what’s included in our digital subscription plans
Exclusive premium stories online
Over 30 premium stories daily, handpicked by our editors
Complimentary Access to The New York Times
News, Games, Cooking, Audio, Wirecutter & The Athletic
Business Standard Epaper
Digital replica of our daily newspaper — with options to read, save, and share
Curated Newsletters
Insights on markets, finance, politics, tech, and more delivered to your inbox
Market Analysis & Investment Insights
In-depth market analysis & insights with access to The Smart Investor
Archives
Repository of articles and publications dating back to 1997
Ad-free Reading
Uninterrupted reading experience with no advertisements
Seamless Access Across All Devices
Access Business Standard across devices — mobile, tablet, or PC, via web or app
SAVE 25%