Former BJP National Vice President and former in-charge of Rajasthan, Avinash Rai Khanna, arrived in Jaipur recently. In a special interview with India News, he shared his views on several national and international issues. Khanna condemned the atrocities against Hindus in Bangladesh, calling them unacceptable. He also addressed statements made by leaders such as PDP Chief Mehbooba Mufti, Lok Sabha leader Rahul Gandhi, and Omar Abdullah. He expressed concerns that certain individuals were fuelling tensions, a situation he described as highly inappropriate. Below are the edited excerpts from the interview.
Q: Hindus are facing persecution in Bangladesh, and Chinmoy Prabhu has been arrested. What actions have the BJP and central government taken so far?
A: The atrocities on minority Hindus in Bangladesh is a serious issue. Arresting ISKCON Temple’s saint Chinmoy Prabhu and not providing him a lawyer is highly condemnable in a democracy. This matter cannot be condemned enough. As far as the Bharatiya Janata Party and the Central Government are concerned, we are very concerned about this matter. You see that apart from the BJP, no other party has spoken a word against the atrocities being committed on Hindus in Bangladesh. Bangladesh should also understand that Hindus have a huge contribution in its GDP. However, it is unfortunate that Bangladesh is still unable to understand this. The Central Government is working to provide security to Hindus in Bangladesh and its results will be seen soon.
Q: PDP chief Mehbooba Mufti is saying that the condition of minority Hindus in Bangladesh is the same as that of minority Muslims in India. What will you say?
A: I believe Mehbooba Mufti wears glasses, but in this context, what can I say about her? However, it is true that she should refrain from making thoughtless allegations. India is a democracy that grants equal rights to all, whether they are Muslim, Hindu, or followers of any other religion. I would advise Mehbooba to visit Pakistan, a fully Muslim country, where Shia-Sunni conflicts continue. She should address those issues as well.
Q: After the court’s decision on Ajmer Dargah, Omar Abdullah said that will he now dig up the Red Fort or try removing the dome of the Taj Mahal.
A: The court has given an order in the Ajmer Dargah case. I do not want to comment on the court’s order. However, I will definitely say that leaders like Omar Abdullah should be careful while making statements on serious issues. These are issues related to faith and are very sensitive. The Supreme Court is also aware of this. Everyone should speak on such issues after thinking carefully so that peace remains in the country.
Q: Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi was stopped from going to Sambhal. Congress and other parties slammed the Yogi government and the Centre on this issue. Do you think it was right to stop Rahul Gandhi and others like this?
A: The situation there is serious, and in such circumstances, the question arises, why are these people going there? I fail to understand why they aren’t trying to calm the situation. Instead, they are sitting outside and fuelling the fire. Think about it — what will these people accomplish by going there in these conditions? One should act according to the situation at hand. These individuals are only escalating the conflict. The government has asked them to exercise restraint in order to maintain peace.
Q: Your government has been formed in Maharashtra. What do you have to say about it?
A: It is a matter of great happiness that the BJP government has been formed in another state. Now that the double-engine has been installed there too, development will gain momentum. Devendra Fadnavis has taken oath as the Chief Minister. His vision will take Maharashtra to new heights of development.
