2022 presented Rahul Gandhi with new 'aura': Sanjay Raut
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Mumbai: According to Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sanjay Raut, the year 2022 presented Congress leader Rahul Gandhi's leadership with a new aura. He said that if the trend tends to continue this year, India might see a political change in the 2024 general elections, PTI reported, citing his weekly column 'Rokhthok' in the Sena mouthpiece 'Saamana'.
"The year 2022 has given a new shine and aura to the leadership of Rahul Gandhi. If it remains the same in 2023, we can see a political change in 2024 (general elections)," Mr Raut said.
Raut further said that Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah must not sow the seed of hatred and divisiveness. Since Ram Temple's issue has been solved and could not be used to squeeze votes, "Love Jihad" is being employed, he alleged.
"Hence, a new 'love jihad' angle is being explored. Is this weapon of 'love jihad' being used to win elections and create fear among Hindus?" he asked.
Referring to the death of actor Tunisha Sharma last month and the murder of Shraddha Walkar allegedly by her boyfriend, Mr Raut asserted these were not cases of "love jihad", but maintained that no woman from any community or religion should face atrocities.
Further, he said that the death of actor Tunisha Sharma or the murder of Shraddha Walkar in Delhi were no cases of "Love Jihad", but added that no woman from any community must face such atrocities.
"Love jihad" is a term often used by right-wing activists to allege a ploy by Muslim men to lure Hindu women into religious conversion through marriage.
Raut said he hopes the country will be "free of fear" in 2023.
He then said that though PM Modi wanted "to do away with the narrow-minded attitude", the same increased after BJP came into power at the Centre.
He said, "Today's rulers don't want to acknowledge the existence and rights of opposition parties." Polarising Hindus and Muslims might lead to a new partition, he said.