At the launch of Livestock Vaccination Drive today, Prime Minister Narendra Modi remarked that references of Hindu terms such as ‘Om’ and ‘Gau’ greatly appals a section of people who think the country goes back to the 16th century when these words are used. He added that such ideas are used by people who want to destroy our nation, and they have left nothing in destroying the nation.
PM Modi in Mathura: Iss desh ka durbhagya hai ki kuchh logo ke kaan par agar ‘om’ aur ‘gaaye’ shabd padhta hai to unke baal khade ho jate hain, unko lagta hai desh 16th shatabdi mein chala gaya, aisa gyaan, desh barbaad karne walo ne desh barbaad karne mein kuchh nahi chhoda hai. pic.twitter.com/0imFNmxJU2
— ANI UP (@ANINewsUP) September 11, 2019
The comment made by PM Modi left the opposition and the left leaders fuming as they proceeded to attack PM Modi for his statements.
Why is @NarendraModi is instigating liberals: @RAJAGOPALAN1951, Journalist tells TIMES NOW. | #ModiSlamsOMGauPhobia pic.twitter.com/0Jv6sF8nNd
— TIMES NOW (@TimesNow) September 11, 2019
The Congress party slammed PM Modi for his comments saying that PM Modi is not a Pope but a Prime Minister of the country and he should desist from making such comments.
Alongside Congress, even Left leaders appeared rattled after PM Modi stated that there is a phobia amongst some about Hindu words such as ‘Om’ and ‘Gau’. The left leaders accused the Prime Minister of demonising the left-liberals and destroying the communal harmony while deflecting the nation’s attention from more pressing issues such as the shrinking economy.
Asaduddin Owaisi on PM Modi’s remark “kuchh logo ke kaan par agar ‘om’ aur ‘gaaye’ shabd padhta hai to unke baal khade ho jate hain”: Cow is a sacred animal for our Hindu brothers but in Constitution right to life&equality has been given to humans, I hope PM will keep it in mind. pic.twitter.com/o29mvSwtw8
— ANI (@ANI) September 11, 2019
Even AIMIM chief Asaduddin Owaisi was stung by PM Modi’s assertions. He quipped that words like ‘Om’ and ‘Gau’ may cause goosebumps for some but the constitution of India guarantees right to life and equality to humans and PM Modi should keep this in mind, he said.
Earlier in the day, PM said, “Some people get irritated when they hear the word Om, some get irritated when they hear the word gau (cow). These people imagine that we are back in the 16th Century. These people don’t understand what cattle-rearing means and how greatly it contributes to the economy of the country and its farmers.”