After raising concerns over the “atmosphere of fear” that has been created in the current BJP regime, Former Chairman of Bajaj Group, Rahul Bajaj is being hit back by several BJP leaders.
Bajaj had questioned Union Home Minister Amit Shah on November 30, Saturday, at the Economic Times event, the video of which is now doing rounds on social media. He raised questions over tax terrorism, Pragya Thakur’s ‘Godse was a patriot’ remarks in the Parliament, and Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh chief, Mohan Bhagwat’s statement that lynching is a foreign concept.
The video went viral on social media with #Rahul Bajaj trending on Twitter. To his concerns, Home Minister Amit Shah said that “no one needs to fear” criticising the Narendra Modi government. The Home Minister denied allegations there was an atmosphere of fear in the country.
“No need to fear anything. The Narendra Modi government has been criticised continuously in media. But, if you are saying that there is such an environment, we need to work to improve this,” Home Minister responded.
WATCH | #RahulBajaj questions, @AmitShah responds at the #ETAwards 2019 | https://t.co/ISEbzTMbqp
Download the ET App here: https://t.co/OpmgPJ3iU4 pic.twitter.com/IRDhUR9l9h
— Economic Times (@EconomicTimes) December 1, 2019
However, even after Shah’s reassurance that people can criticise the government without fearing the backlash, BJP Union Ministers lashed out at the industrialist for overtly questioning Amit Shah.
Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman tweeted that it is always appreciated that answers are sought in a way that would not hurt the national interest.
Home Minister @AmitShah answers on how issues raised by Shri. Rahul Bajaj were addressed. Questions/criticisms are heard and answered/addressed. Always a better way to seek an answer than spreading one’s own impressions which, on gaining traction, can hurt national interest. https://t.co/WytSpyRyP6
— Nirmala Sitharaman (@nsitharaman) December 1, 2019
BJP IT cell head, Amit Malviya, questioned Bajaj’s political leanings. He tweeted, ‘It is difficult for me to praise anyone’, said Rahul Bajaj except off course (sic) if it is Rahul Gandhi. Wear your political affiliation on your sleeve and don’t hide behind inanities like there is an atmosphere (sic) of fear and all that.”
‘It is difficult for me to praise anyone’, said Rahul Bajaj except off course if it is Rahul Gandhi.
Wear your political affiliation on your sleeve and don’t hide behind inanities like there is atmosphere of fear and all that… pic.twitter.com/2JeyBzkfp8
— Amit Malviya (@amitmalviya) November 30, 2019
If one had such fawning view of Rahul Gandhi, when he is an unmitigated disaster, then it is only natural to spin imaginary yarn and assume the worst for the current regime.
Truth be told – industrialists who flourished in the license raj will always be beholden to the Congress. pic.twitter.com/9sjSTRN9RZ
— Amit Malviya (@amitmalviya) November 30, 2019
Another commentator quipped, “Dear Rahul Bajaj, anyone can say anything to criticise this govt; there is no fear & if you don’t agree, we will abuse u, threaten u till u do agree. –your friendly neighbourhood Online Troll Army.”
After the series of tweet directed towards the businessman, Sanjukta Basu, a writer-photographer in a tweet lashed out troll army. “Rahul Bajaj said at the time of UPA govt we could criticize govt. Within minutes this dangerous IT cell has dug out some random 30 seconds to pull him down, troll him. So that no other industrialist speak truth to power,” she tweeted
Rahul Bajaj said at the time of UPA govt we could criticize govt. Within minutes this dangerous IT cell has dug out some random 30 seconds to pull him down, troll him. So that no other industrialist speak truth to power. #BJPHataoDeshBachao #RahulBajaj https://t.co/rMJEdpVkXb
— Sanjukta Basu (@sanjukta) December 1, 2019
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