BJP President Amit Shah addresses party workers, hits out at Congress, AAP

The national President of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), Amit Shah hit out at the Congress and the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) on Sunday while addressing party workers in Delhi. He said that what happened in the Delhi Assembly over the adoption of a resolution on the 1984 anti-Sikh riots was like "rubbing salt" on the victims' wounds. He also accused Congress chief Rahul Gandhi of supporting illegal migrants.

The Delhi Assembly on Friday passed a resolution on the 1984 anti-Sikh riots, demanding that the Bharat Ratna awarded to former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi, be revoked. However, the ruling Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) was quick to distance itself from the reference to the Congress leader after the controversy was stoked.

Later, Deputy Chief Minister of Delhi, Manish Sisodia also held a press conference to clarify that the lines about the former PM were not part of the original resolution placed before the House, but only a handwritten amendment proposed by a member.

Speaking at the Booth Sammelan held at the Indira Gandhi Stadium on Sunday, Shah said, "What has happened in the Assembly and later was like rubbing salt on the wounds of the anti-Sikh riot victims." He, however, did not elaborate on the statement. "It has only exposed how double-faced the Aam Aadmi Party is."

The BJP leader took a veiled dig at the Congress, saying, "The Sikh victims had been denied justice for so many years because the perpetrators of the riots were also the protectors (of the accused)."

Shah said the Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led government at the Centre during four years of its rule had not only "assured justice" to the victims by forming a special investigation team but also provided compensation to the affected families.

He also trained his guns at Rahul Gandhi over the Rafale deal. "Despite the Supreme Court's judgement on the Rafale deal, he (Rahul Gandhi) is still lying and levelling allegations," Shah said.

Speaking about illegal immigrants, he reiterated that the BJP government will identify and expel the "infiltrators" from the country, questioning the Congress' stand over the issue. "The NRC exercise was started in Assam and as soon as it happened, Rahul baba and company started crying hoarse. I want to ask Rahul if he has any concern for the countrymen dying in terrorist blasts," he said. "Why do you (Rahul Gandhi) worry about them? Are they your cousins (mausere bhai)?" he asked.

The BJP chief exuded confidence about the BJP returning to power in the 2019 Lok Sabha polls. He emphasised that the party's win will mean the victory of nationalism over casteism and nepotism. He claimed that the BJP will return to power in 2019 with a bigger mandate than 2014.

PARTY STAND

• Shah said the Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led government at the Centre during four years of its rule had not only “assured justice” to the victims by forming a special investigation team but also provided compensation to the affected families
   
• Speaking about illegal immigrants, he reiterated that the BJP government will identify and expel the “infiltrators” from the country, questioning the Congress’ stand over the issue