Union Minister for Transport and Rural Development Nitin Gadkari on Thursday said the BJP is for development with true national spirit and is not against any community as projected by rival political parties.
Mr. Gadkari was in the city to campaign for party candidates Sudhir Mungatiwar and Nana Shamkule who are contesting Maharashtra assembly polls.
He said that his party is opposed to terrorism and it is Pakistan, who after humiliating defeats in three wars, has waged proxy war against India as well as fuelling hatred among Hindus and Muslims in India.
Addressing the poll rally here, he said that the BJP has never ever indulged in the politics of caste, creed and religion and is not against Muslims.
He also alleged that it is the Congress and the NCP which fuels hatred among Marathas and OBCs as well as Dhangars and Dalits through petty politics, in the name of reservation.
“If you consider us as communal, then do not vote for us, but before doing so, remove the spectacles (eyeglasses) of secularism, given by the Congress and judge us through open eyes,” Mr. Gadkari said.
Mr. Gadkari pointed out that if BJP was anti-Muslim, then Prime Minister Narendra Modi would have not sanctioned relief worth Rs. 1,000 crore to flood-hit Kashmir.
“I had personally inspected the calamity that hit Kashmir and sanctioned Rs 250 crore through my ministry for construction of damaged roads and bridges,” he said.
Mr. Gadkari lauded the development works and grants for the area by BJP MLAs Sudhir Mungatiwar and Nana Shamkule and sought votes for them from the people.
Earlier, ex-MLC and senior Congress leader, Jainuddin Zaweri and former District Youth Congress President Matin Sheikh, along with several of their followers entered the BJP during the programme.
Earlier during the day, Mr. Gadkari also addressed a poll rally in Nagbhid and sought votes for Kirtikumar Bhangadiya, the BJP candidate from Chimur.
