 "Minorities \"apprehensive\" about Modi becoming PM: BJP leader")
In remarks that are likely to embarrass BJP leadership in run-up to elections, senior party leader and Goa deputy Chief Minister Francis D'Souza today said minorities continue to be "apprehensive" about Narendra Modi becoming prime minister, even as he billed BJP the "most secular" party.
"The apprehension (about Modi becoming PM) was always there. It is still there," D'Souza told a press conference at the party headquarters here.
"Minorities will have apprehensions (about Modi becoming PM)," he said responding to a query.
Responding to a query on whether this "apprehension" will adversely impact electoral prospects of BJP candidates, D'Souza said, "I don't have any apprehensions. I said minorities will have apprehensions".
He said secularism had been raked up as an agenda by Congress party which has failed to explain its "misrule" of last 60 years.
"Let's fight the election on the basis of issues. But opposition party is busy raising secularism as their plank," the deputy CM said.
D'Souza claimed BJP is the "most secular" party because it has six Catholic legislators in Goa compared to four in the Congress legislative wing.
"The apprehension (about Modi becoming PM) was always there. It is still there," D'Souza told a press conference at the party headquarters here.
"Minorities will have apprehensions (about Modi becoming PM)," he said responding to a query.
Also Read
When asked why minorities feel apprehensive should Modi helm the top job, D'Souza did not reply.
Responding to a query on whether this "apprehension" will adversely impact electoral prospects of BJP candidates, D'Souza said, "I don't have any apprehensions. I said minorities will have apprehensions".
He said secularism had been raked up as an agenda by Congress party which has failed to explain its "misrule" of last 60 years.
"Let's fight the election on the basis of issues. But opposition party is busy raising secularism as their plank," the deputy CM said.
D'Souza claimed BJP is the "most secular" party because it has six Catholic legislators in Goa compared to four in the Congress legislative wing.
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%