By Abdul Gani, TwoCircles.net,
Guwahati: Assam governor PB Acharya came under severe criticism after his controversial remark, ‘Hindustan is for Hindus’. Assam chief minister Tarun Gogoi went to the extent of appealing the Central Government for appointing a new governor, branding Acharya an RSS agent on Sunday.
Assam governor PB Acharya (L) with PM Narendra Modi (PIB file photo)
During a book launch event in Raj Bhawan in Guwahati on Saturday, the governor had said, “Hindustan is for Hindus. There is nothing wrong with that. Hindus from different countries can stay here. They cannot be outsiders. There is nothing to be feared about that. But how to accommodate them is a big question and we should think about that”.
“He (Acharya) not just demeaned the position of the constitutional head of the state but also violated the unity and integrity of the country. After this, Acharya has lost his credibility to be there as the constitutional head. It seems that he is working as RSS agent. So, we appeal to the central government to appoint a broad-minded governor for the welfare of the state,” Gogoi said in a statement.
Acharya, who is the governor of Nagaland, was given additional charge of Assam in December 2014.
Gogoi also said that it is a matter of concern why the centre has not appointed a permanent governor so far. “If it continues to be so, in the coming assembly election in 2016 Acharya will be working for RSS,” he added.
On Sunday, Acharya, however, tried to clarify his statement by saying that he only meant that persecuted Hindus and other religious minorities from Bangladesh and Pakistan can also seek shelter in India. On this Gogoi accused the governor of taking a U turn.
The AICC also slammed the Assam governor for this remarks. “It is clearly indicative of the way RSS and BJP functionaries think and continue to think even when they are in a constitutional post. Bondage or umbilical cords with parent remote organisations, be it RSS and BJP, should be severed when you assume a constitutional post,” Congress spokesperson Abhishek Manu Singhvi was quoted as saying by PTI in New Delhi on Sunday.
People from political parties and civilians have also expressed their displeasure at the statement of the governor.
AIUDF chief and MP Badruddin Ajmal termed it as an attack to the constitution. “Strongly condemn Assam governor’s statement. He is a constitutional authority and his statement is direct attack on the constitution,” he said in a tweet.
In another tweet, the perfume baron said that though the governor has an RSS background, he is now holding a constitutional post. “He shouldn’t try to polarise Assam before 2016 election,” Ajmal added.
Krishak Mukti Sangram Samiti (KMSS), an influential peasants’ organization of the state has also condemned the Acharya. KMSS leader Akhil Gogoi said that such remarks clearly indicate that the governor wants to play politics in the name of religion.
In a hurriedly called press conference meant to clarify his statement as being widely reported on the other day, the governor said that the Hindus and other religious minorities who are persecuted (in Bangladesh and Pakistan) can come to India.
“In fact it is our duty to give them shelter. India is their natural home. I’m not saying that Hindus if persecuted in America or Russia should be provided shelter in India,” said Acharya.
On persecuted Muslims in the subcontinent, governor said they can also seek shelter in India though they are free to choose Pakistan or Bangladesh.
Naming the Bangladeshi author Taslima Nasreen, the governor said that even Muslims, if they feel persecuted, can come to India.