Fadnavis blames media for slogan controversy

MUMBAI: Maharashtra CM Devendra Fadnavis on Sunday clarified that in his 50 minute speech, for 45 long minutes he spoke about Maharashtra's drought situation and development and rest 5 minutes he talked about Bharat Mata Ki Jai & Shani Shingnapur issues.

"But media picked only 'Bharat Mata Ki Jai' and that too only a part of it. It clearly proves that a section of media is interested in creating controversy only" he said.

"I also mentioned in my speech yesterday that 'Bharat Mata Ki Jai' has nothing to do with religion because I salute those 500 plus patriotic, highly placed and highly respected Muslim Clerics who not only did National Flag hoisting at Mahim Dargah(Mumbai) but also chanted Bharat Mata Ki Jai with a feeling of nationalism and patriotism on 17th March on the occasion of 603rd Urs of Hajrat Makhdum Fateh Ali Mahimi. No media is broadcasting this," he said.

"We absolutely have no problem if somebody says Jai Hind or Jai Bharat or Jai Hindustan, but all we object about is when someone says, " I won't say Bharat Mata Ki Jai". There is a limit to appeasement too," Fadnavis has clarified after media highlighted his comments made at nashik speech.

"It is not merely about the slogan but it is about those lakhs and lakhs of freedom fighters who sacrificed their life chanting Bharat Mata Ki Jai, about those thousands and thousands of soldiers who selflessly attained martyrdom chanting Bharat Mata Ki Jai"

"Those who are opposing it have malafide interests and intentions.They are those divisive forces who want to create a rift in our country and wish to break the unity. Why should we tolerate it?" he added.