“Bangladesh is Bangladesh, and India is India,” Shastri said. He further warned that those attempting to create a Bangladesh-like situation in India would face consequences similar to the bulldozer action associated with Uttar Pradesh.
‘Constitutional Freedom, Not Extremism, in India’
Shastri also spoke about freedom of expression and the constitutional system in India, arguing that the country does not operate under extremism.
He said extremism involves situations in which people face direct threats to their lives for refusing to accept certain beliefs. In contrast, he maintained that India provides freedom, follows the law and Constitution, and allows people to express their views.
“Freedom exists in India, there is law, there is a Constitution, and every person is able to express their views,” he said.
Shastri added that around 500 people speak against him and make remarks against Lord Ram. He also noted that statements are made against saints. Despite such criticism, he said, people continue to enjoy the freedom to express their opinions. He described this freedom as part of India's constitutional framework.
‘Those Who Convert Religion Should Not Receive Reservation Benefits’
Shastri also welcomed a Supreme Court decision concerning religious conversion and reservation benefits, describing it as an extraordinary judgment. He said people who convert to another religion should not receive reservation benefits and called on the entire country to welcome the decision.
“The whole of India should welcome this on this issue,” he said.
He also targeted institutions allegedly involved in religious conversions, claiming that some organisations carry out conversions covertly. Comparing such institutions to cancer, Shastri said the court's decision should act as a blow against them.
Transformation Yatra Promotes a Commitment to Ending Substance Abuse
Speaking about the Transformation Yatra organised in Bundelkhand, Shastri described the experience as extraordinary. According to him, several villages in the region have pledged to become free from substance abuse.
He identified addiction as one of Bundelkhand's major problems and said large numbers of people participated in the journey. At several locations, people reportedly stood along the roads for eight to nine hours to welcome the procession.
Shastri said the public participation reflected devotion and faith. He also emphasised the role of changing people's thinking in bringing about social reform and national transformation.
“When a revolution of ideas takes place, society improves, and when society improves, a new transformation takes place in the country. A change in thinking leads to a change in society, and a change in society leads to a transformation of the nation. This journey was organised for that very purpose,” he said.
His remarks covered three key issues: the controversy surrounding calls for a Bangladesh-inspired movement in India, religious conversion and reservation benefits, and efforts to address substance abuse through the Bundelkhand Transformation Yatra. His comments have brought these political, constitutional and social issues into focus.
About The Author
Comment List