Congress leadership has always made sacrifices: Manish Tewari

Chandigarh, Oct 24: With Rahul Gandhi accusing BJP of instigating politics of anger and hate for political gains, Information and Broadcasting Minister Manish Tewari on Wednesday said the Congress Vice-President had spoken the truth.

"Entire Congress leadership has always made sacrifices for the country's unity and integrity. Congress leaders and workers have been fighting the divisive forces and the forces of terror and the anti-India forces," the Ludhiana MP said on the sidelines of a function organised by the Bar Council of Punjab and Haryana.

Earlier in the day Rahul Gandhi accused the BJP of instigating politics of anger and hatred for political gains and went emotional to say that one day he too may be killed like his grandmother and father but he is not "bothered".

"What Rahul Gandhi has said is the truth. If you look at the history of the BJP, from Mahatma Gandhi's killing to massacre that took place in Gujarat, people connected with such ideology have remained involved," he alleged.

"Even many ministers of the Gujarat government are behind the bars on massacre charges (Gujarat riots)," he said.

Tewari went on to say that it is a fact that Congress and its entire leadership have sacrificed their lives to protect the unity and integrity of this country. He attacked the fundamentalist ideology, in particular RSS' ideology, saying it is unfortunate to say they have played an important role to "divide and spread hatred in this country."

Asked about the increased infiltration this year in Jammu and Kashmir, Tewari said, "as far as LoC is concerned, our forces are alert. You have seen in Keran sector how intruders were dealt with."

"There is an attempt by those connected with terror outfits to send infiltrators into India. But earlier too such nefarious designs have been foiled and this time too these will be foiled," he said.

Tewari: Congress leaders have been fighting divisive forces

The Union Minister said that Pakistan and its rulers should seriously think over the policies it has adopted since three decades, now they themselves are facing the consequences.

"Today, in Pakistan, incidents of terror are common and innocent are killed. The main reason is because of the policies Pakistan's rulers have adopted (over the years). There is a saying 'when you sow the wind, you reap the whirlwind'."

Asked if India needs to take a harsh step, he said, "I think we have been taking very firm measures for the last three decades. The fact is that all attempts which have been made by non-state actors supported by the Pakistani establishment to infiltrate into India in any manner to create chaos and disturbances have been foiled."

"The Government of India was successful in taking up the matter with regard to Pakistan being the epicentre of terrorism and a large number of Pakistani entities including the Jamut-ul-Dawa were labelled as terrorist organisations. Similarly, we also have been fairly successful in convincing global opinion that the non-state actors who have the support of Pakistani establishment need to be dealt with global cooperation," he added.

In Alwar

AICC Vice President Rahul Gandhi at a public rally at Kherli in Alwar district on Wednesday.

In Alwar

AICC Vice President Rahul Gandhi is presented a turban at a public rally at Kherli in Alwar district on Wednesday.

In Alwar

Congress Vice President Rahul Gandhi with Rajasthan CM Ashok Gehlot and party leaders Sachin Pilot, Jitendra Singh and Deependra Hooda launching the online manifesto of the party with the help of a village girl and a woman at a public rally at Kherli in Alwar district on Wednesday.

In Alwar

Congress Vice President Rahul Gandhi waves during a public rally at Kherli in Alwar district on Wednesday.

In Churu, Rajasthan

Congress Vice President Rahul Gandhi is greeted by discus thrower Krishna Poonia as Union minister Sis Ram Ola and Rajasthan CM Ashok Gehlot look on, at a public meeting in Churu, Rajasthan on Wednesday.

In Churu, Rajasthan

Congress Vice President Rahul Gandhi meeting people at a public meeting in Churu, Rajasthan on Wednesday.

In Churu, Rajasthan

Congress Vice President Rahul Gandhi being presented a shawl by a party worker during a public meeting in Churu, Rajasthan on Wednesday. Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot is also seen.

In Churu, Rajasthan

Congress Vice President Rahul Gandhi being garlanded along with Union minister Sis Ram Ola, Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot and other leaders, during a public meeting in Churu, Rajasthan on Wednesday.

PTI