Guwahati, April 2 Union Minister Nitin Gadkari stated on Thursday that the BJP is not against any caste, religion, or language, and that "unity in diversity" is its core principle.
Addressing a rally in Assam's Palasbari constituency, he said that the relaxation in granting voting rights to people of specific religions is in accordance with the "guidance" of the Constitution.
"The BJP is not against any caste, region, religion, or language. Unity in diversity is our essence. But should foreign nationals who come here be granted voting rights? What will happen to all of you then?" Gadkari asked.
The senior BJP leader claimed that the Constitution provides this "guidance," stating that "Sikhs, Hindus, Buddhists, and Jains are 'outsiders' and do not have any other country."
He was apparently referring to the citizenship granted to persecuted religious minorities from neighboring countries under the Citizenship (Amendment) Act.
However, Gadkari asserted that voting rights cannot be extended to "other foreigners."
"But for other foreigners who have come illegally, no country can allow them to vote," he said.
The Minister of Road Transport & Highways also stated that the BJP-led government has transformed Assam over the last decade, and promised even more progress if it returns to power.
Listing various road communication projects completed or underway in the state and the Northeast under the central government, he said, "I can assure that the entire road network in Assam will resemble that of America in the next three years."
Crediting the people for electing BJP-led governments in the last two assembly elections, the Union Minister asked them to once again trust the party to take the state forward.
Gadkari said that for any state to progress, it must address three major issues – poverty, starvation, and unemployment.
Industrialization, trade, and agriculture need to be boosted, with the availability of water, power, transport, and communication networks, he said.
Assembly elections in Assam will be held on April 9. Votes will be counted on May 4.
