ENARADA, Bangalore, October 6, 2013:
Congress has let the cat out of the bag! It’s now crystal clear that minority appeasement is going to be its main poll plank. At a time when BJP’s Prime Ministerial Narendra Modi is making waves in different parts of the country, the Congress has been seeking to vigorously woo the minority community as the Lok Sabha elections draw closer.
While it was Home Minister Sushil Kumar Shinde who asked States to ensure that no innocent Muslim is targeted of terrorism charges, which created uproar, senior Congress leader G Parameshwara’s statement has shocked all.
Parameshwara, the President of the Karnataka Pradesh Congress Committee, said the other day that it does not matter if members of the minority community do not repay the loans sanctioned by state-run Karnataka Minorities Development Corporation.
His statement has been rightly, roundly condemned by all. It’s a clear case of Congress blatantly playing the minority card as it is evident Modi looming large is giving their party men sleepless nights.
But the Congress stooping to such a low level has surprised many, even a section of the party which steadfastly believes in its secular credentials.
“How can Parameshwara make such a blatant communal statement? Is he telling the minority community not to repay their loans? It’s astounding and shocking. He can’t get away with such a statement”, a senior Congress leader said in private.
Parameshwara’s defence that several people who had taken loans had cheated the government by not paying them is no argument at all. Is he telling the people not to abide by law?
The KPCC Chief also wanted the Corporation to sanction huge amounts like Rs 50 lakh instead of giving small loans. “Never mind if the beneficiaries don’t repay the loans. Many people and officials have duped government agencies of several thousands of crores of rupees. It’s part of the development process,” he said.
Though Parameshwara chose to “amend” his statement, saying he didn’t mean that anyone should be allowed to flout the law, the Congress’ “true colours” had been exposed.
But he defended his statement on repayment of loans by the minority community, saying he was only trying to extend them help. “I had said that minorities should be given loans to give them support and courage. It will give them a boost,” he said.
It seems Parameshwara’s outrageous statement is unlikely to be last by any Congress leader in appeasement politics. As elections get closer, there will be more such “offers” as the Congress indulges in minority vote bank politics it is so adept at.
