In the midst of escalating tensions sparked by Prime Minister Narendra Modi's recent comments regarding minority appeasement during the tenure of the Dr. Manmohan Singh-led UPA administrations, a resurgence of past controversies has gripped the political landscape, placing the spotlight once again on the Congress party's handling of sensitive issues.
The BJP has launched a vigorous campaign, sharing videos highlighting instances of what they perceive as minority appeasement by Congress governments. Simultaneously, social media discourse has reignited discussions on the Congress party's alleged favoritism towards minority communities and its purported vilification of the majority populace.
Since 2004, at the outset of the UPA government, a series of events have unfolded that indicate what critics describe as the Congress party's preferential treatment of minorities, ostensibly in a bid to secure a loyal voter base.
In 2004, the Congress-led UPA government repealed the Prevention of Terrorism Act (POTA), an anti-terror legislation. Despite intentions that may have been well-meaning, subsequent terror attacks across the nation raised questions about the wisdom of this decision.
The appointment of the Sachar Committee in 2005 by the Dr. Manmohan Singh administration to assess the socio-economic and educational status of Muslims was viewed by some as a move driven by partisan interests.
In 2006, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh's assertion that minorities, particularly Muslims, should be given precedence in accessing the nation's resources drew considerable attention and criticism, echoing Prime Minister Modi's recent remarks.
The coinage of the term 'saffron terror' in 2007 garnered significant controversy, with members of the Congress party utilizing it as a tool to critique the BJP and demonize the RSS.
The Batla House encounter conducted by the Delhi Police in the same year, hailed as a significant achievement in counter-terrorism efforts, became embroiled in political controversy. While the government remained cautious in its statements, the Congress party labelled it a staged encounter, tarnishing the reputation of the brave officers involved.
Following the 2008 Mumbai terror attacks, which shook the nation to its core, Congress leader Digvijaya Singh, known for his close ties to the Gandhi family, released a book asserting that the attacks were orchestrated by the RSS, despite contrary evidence.
The proposed Communal Violence Bill in 2011 by the Sonia Gandhi-led National Advisory Council (NAC) sparked immense controversy, with critics arguing that certain provisions could potentially marginalise Hindus within their own country.
In response to Prime Minister Modi's recent remarks at a Rajasthan election rally, the Congress party is reportedly considering approaching the Election Commission to address what they perceive as highly divisive rhetoric.
However, given the party's history of stances perceived as anti-majority or anti-Hindu during the UPA-I and UPA-II eras, critics argue that the backlash is justified.
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