In the aftermath of recent electoral defeats for the Congress party in five states, political sparring has intensified, with Haryana’s Home Minister Anil Vij taking a bold stance against the opposition. Vij not only countered former Haryana Chief Minister Bhupinder Singh Hooda’s comments but also launched a sharp critique against Congress leader Mallikarjun Kharge’s son, Priyank Kharge.
The recent elections saw a decisive victory for the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in three out of the five states, prompting the opposition to engage in a war of words. Amidst this, Bhupinder Singh Hooda remarked on the Congress’s success in Rajasthan, stating that winning 34 seats indicated the party’s stronghold in Haryana. In response, Anil Vij dismissed Hooda’s interpretation, stating that the Congress had lost its grip on Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, and Chhattisgarh, emphasizing the need for self-reflection among the opposition.
Anil Vij’s comments took a more confrontational turn when he responded to Priyank Kharge’s criticism of freedom fighter Veer Savarkar. Kharge had suggested that if he were in charge, he would have removed Savarkar’s photo from the legislative assembly. In a sharp retort, Anil Vij defended Savarkar, stating that understanding Savarkar required Kharge’s son to be born again. Vij further asserted that both Mallikarjun Kharge and his son had done nothing significant for the nation compared to the contributions of Savarkar.The exchange continued with Anil Vij commenting on the recent statement by Bihar’s former Chief Minister and RJD chief Lalu Yadav. Lalu Yadav had held Home Minister Amit Shah responsible for the attacks in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) and Jammu and Kashmir. Vij swiftly countered this, stating that after the abrogation of Article 370 in Jammu and Kashmir, terrorist activities had significantly decreased. He emphasized that Lalu Yadav’s statement failed to acknowledge the positive impact of removing Article 370 on curbing insurgency.
Anil Vij also responded to Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury’s comments about Amit Shah taking responsibility for actions in PoK. Vij suggested that there was no need for concern, as Amit Shah would decide the course of action concerning PoK. He subtly dismissed Chowdhury’s apprehensions, highlighting the reduction in insurgent activities in Jammu and Kashmir post the Article 370 abrogation.The verbal sparring highlights the intense political climate following the recent state elections and reflects the BJP’s confidence after securing victories in key states. Anil Vij’s assertive responses underscore the party’s determination to counter opposition narratives and defend its leaders and policies.As political tensions continue to escalate, the exchanges between leaders serve as a precursor to the upcoming electoral battles. The BJP, buoyed by recent successes, seems poised to maintain its assertive stance against opposition criticism. The war of words not only showcases the ideological differences among political leaders but also sets the stage for heated debates in the political arena.
