Dehradun, February 7 Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami accused the Congress of appeasement on Saturday, alleging that the party supports those who, he claimed, put "Mohammad" before their "sacred" Hindu names, referring to the recent Kotdwar incident.
Addressing an event in Champawat district, Dhami said his government has enacted a strict law against forced religious conversions to protect the original character of Devbhoomi – Uttarakhand – and is taking strict action against what he termed "land jihad," "love jihad," and "spit jihad" in the state.
Without naming the Congress, the chief minister alleged that due to appeasement politics, the party finds acceptable those who, he claimed, change their names, deceive innocent women and girls, and ruin their futures.
He said the party shows no concern for such issues.
"The party even likes those who put 'Mohammad' before their sacred Hindu names," Dhami said.
Deepak Kumar, a gym owner, came into the national limelight after confronting Bajrang Dal activists who had gathered outside a clothing store named 'Baba' in Kotdwar to pressure its 70-year-old owner, Vakil Ahmed, to change the shop's name. During the incident, Kumar allegedly identified himself as 'Mohammad Deepak', following which the protesters dispersed.
Referring to Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, the chief minister said the "prince" of the Congress party also jumped into the fray without thinking twice and rallied the party in support of the person.
Gandhi had praised Kumar's bravery and spirit, calling him a "hero of India" on social media.