Hinduism does not advocate revenge: Priyanka's jibe at Yogi's remark

Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi on Monday (December 30) said saffron denotes Hinduism, a religion that does not advocate violence or “revenge”, in a jibe at Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath’s recent announcement on the violent anti-Citizenship law protests.

Adityanath had on December 19 said his government will avenge the destruction of public assets during the protests over the amended citizenship law by seizing and auctioning off the property of those involved in the violence.

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In an apparent reference to the chief minister’s remark, Gandhi told a press conference on Monday there is no place for violence or “revenge” in the country. Further, the Congress leader said saffron denotes Hinduism, a religion that does not advocate violence or “revenge”.

Concluding her four-day visit to Lucknow days after violent clashes over the Citizenship (Amendment) Act rocked the state, she told reporters her own security was not a big issue. “The issue is the safety of the common man in Uttar Pradesh,” she said in an apparent reference to her alleged manhandling by the state police.

The Congress leader downplayed the issue of her security, saying it needn’t be discussed. “The question of my security is not a big one. It is a small question on which there is no need to hold any discussion. I will not raise the issue of security because it is a trivial matter. It has nothing to do with the public,” she said.

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Priyanka said, “The public is bothered about what is happening in the state today. There is anarchy; no one has job; there is unemployment; and the women are feeling insecure. There are so many bigger issues, but you are raising trivial issues.”

Earlier in the day, the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) said in a statement in New Delhi that there was no breach in the Congress leader’s security during her visit to Lucknow and blamed her for “violations” for riding pillion on a scooter.

Gandhi had also accused the state police of manhandling her when she resisted their attempts of stopping her while she was on her way to the residence of SR Darapuri, a retired IPS officer who was arrested during an anti-citizenship law protest.

(With inputs from agencies)