New Delhi, (IANS): Calling Delhi University student Gurmehar Kaur “the daughter of Punjab”, the Congress on Wednesday said Union Minister Kiren Rijiu should resign for his statements regarding her and also slammed the ABVP in the wake of rape threats to her.
Slamming the Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarathi Parishad, the students wing of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh, the Congress said the “behaviour of the ABVP was an insult to the armed forces”.
“Rijiju, instead of protecting her, has actually questioned her patriotism. This comes out from a polluted mindset and ideology. He should resign for this,” said Congress leader Manpreet Singh Badal.
“It is shameful that the ABVP is threatening the daughter of a martyr with rape. The ABVP’s behaviour is an insult to the armed forces, to the martyrs of India and to the culture of India,” he added.
Manpreet said: “Punjab has a centuries-old tradition of defending the culture of India. This is an attack on the daughter of Punjab.”
“In protecting the rights to free speech and expression, the people of Punjab are very proud of this young girl,” the Congress leader added.
Rijiju had earlier tweeted: “Who’s polluting this young girl’s mind?” Some people say they need freedom in India. Listen to those people taking shelter in India after facing torture in neighbouring countries.”
He had also said: “Freedom of expression is not a licence to shout anti-national slogans in campuses. Criticise the government but don’t abuse the motherland.”
Gurmehar, 20, is in the eye of a political storm over her campaign against the ABVP following the February 22 violence at Ramjas College in Delhi.