Mumbai : Union Minister Piyush Goyal has criticized Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge for his indirect remarks about Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath's appearance, calling them "very unfortunate." Kharge had suggested that if Adityanath wanted to remain Chief Minister, he should abandon his saffron robes and don white clothes.
In response, Goyal said, "This should be a matter of personal choice for every individual. A lot of derogatory comments have been made about Yogi Adityanath's attire and his appearance. They say that if he wants to remain the Chief Minister, he should abandon his saffron robes, wear white clothes, and enter politics; otherwise, he should leave politics."
He continued, "It is very unfortunate that a person who has dedicated his entire life to serving society, who spent his childhood with the Nath sect, has renounced worldly pleasures, and entered politics intending to serve society, is being subjected to such criticism. In his order, people of all religions are welcomed. When I visited the Gorakhnath Math myself, I saw people from different religions there, which I think shows his inclusiveness."
Goyal also underscored the freedom of personal choice in India. He said, "We have freedom of dressing in this country." On Sunday, Congress National President Kharge, speaking at an election rally in Maharashtra, made an indirect reference to Yogi Adityanath without naming him. Kharge criticized leaders who, in his view, "live in the guise of sadhus" and have become politicians. He also took a dig at Adityanath's slogan calling for Hindu unity, accusing him of spreading hatred.
Kharge said, "Many leaders live in the guise of sadhus and have now become politicians. Some have even become chief ministers. They wear 'gerua' clothes and have no hair on their heads... I would say to the BJP, either wear white clothes or if you are a sanyasi, wear 'gerua' clothes, but then get out of politics. On the one hand, you wear 'gerua' clothes and on the other hand, you say 'batoge toh katogey'... They are spreading hatred among the people and trying to divide them."
Further slamming the BJP, Kharge added, "BJP is coming up with new slogans these days. I just want to ask, is there any danger in the country? If the country is in danger, it is from BJP-RSS. These are the people who talk about division and killing from morning to evening. We have always tried to keep the country united. Indira Gandhi ji was martyred for keeping the country united."