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Oppn targets Modi for not greeting Muslims on Eid New Delhi, August 5 A Congress also raked up the issue of the PM not hosting traditional Iftaar (breaking of fast in the evening) during Ramadan. The ruling BJP denied the charge citing the PM’s statement that day (July 29) when he wished the nation ‘Eid Mubarak’. Speaking during Zero Hour, Trinamool Congress leader Sudip Bandhopadhyay said he appreciated the PM’s visit to Pashupatinath Temple in Nepal and his donation of ghee and 2,500 kg of sandalwood, but he should have communicated greetings to Muslims as well. “Why is there such a difference,” he asked while warning that “evil forces are trying to create communal tension” and cautioned the government to remain “alert to prevent communal incidents otherwise safety and security of the common man and the secular fabric will be under threat”. Bandopadhyay’s submission was disputed by Parliamentary Affairs Minister M Venkaiah Naidu, who said: “I want to put on record that the government believes in ‘sarva dharma sambhav’ (equality for all religions). The Prime Minister greeted the nation of Eid.” He was apparently referring to the statement by the Prime Minister’s Office issued on July 29. “The Prime Minister, Narendra Modi, has greeted the people on the occasion of Eid-ul-Fitr...Greetings on Eid-ul-Fitr. May this auspicious day strengthen the bond of peace, unity & brotherhood across our Nation,” the PMO statement read. A number of members, including, NCP’s Tariq Anwar, Aam Aadmi Party’s Bhagwant Mann and K Kavitha (TRS) associated themselves with the TMC leader. Not satisfied with Naidu’s reply, Congress’ Adhir Ranjan Choudhry asked why Modi broke the tradition of hosting Iftar in the holy month of Ramadan — something his predecessor Atal Behari Vajpayee always used to do. Choudhry’s similar attempt in the pre-lunch session was prevented by Speaker Sumitra Majahan saying the issue is a personal matter and it will not be allowed to be raised in the House. After Choudhry’s remarks, BJP MPs led by Rajeev Pratap Rudy rushed to attack him and questioned the chair about allowing such a reference during special mentions. Choudhry did not stop at this and asked why the government was not allowing a Rule 193 discussion which the Congress had sought on communal discord in the country. “We have given a notice under Rule 193 to discuss the communal situation in the country in view of the rising instances of sectarian discord. We are worried about the minorities. The chair should consider the discussion right now. Why is the government running away from the discussion,” asked Choudhry. PM didn’t host Iftaar: Congress
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