"Govt is just focused on Hindu-Muslim divide": SP's Abu Azmi on 'Vande Mataram' debate

Nagpur (Maharashtra) [India], December 9 (ANI): Criticising the government over the debate on 'Vande Mataram' in Parliament, Samajwadi Party leader Abu Azmi on Tuesday asserted that the Centre is just "focusing on the Hindu-Muslim divide", adding that "discussions should be held for development", bringing the country out of debt, and how to end communalism.
Speaking to reporters in Nagpur, the SP leader said that no one is stopping you from speaking in Parliament ('Roz chillao kaun mana karta hai'), but interfering in someone's faith is not right.
"Discussions should be held for development, bringing the country out of debt, and to end communalism. This government is just focused on the Hindu-Muslim divide. No one opposes Vande Mataram. 'Roz chillao kaun mana karta hai' but interfering in someone's faith is not right," he told.
When asked about the BJP leader earlier who had alleged that some words were removed from the 'Vande Mataram', he said that maybe it was removed if that word hurt the sentiment of the people and was not a good word.
"Maybe some word was removed if that word hurt the sentiment of the people, and was not a good word that may have caused the 'divide' among religions. But the point is, do we get food after talking about all these issues? Do we get development after discussing this?... Do the poor people get roti after talking about this? But the government is not focusing on all these issues," he added.
Meanwhile, Union Parliamentary and Minority Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju refuted the allegations levelled by the opposition regarding the 'Vande Mataram' debate being held in Parliament due to the forthcoming West Bengal elections, saying that it was wrong since the government doesn't decide the dates of historical events.
"Some opposition people say that the Vande Mataram discussion was held due to the Bengal election. This is wrong. Vande Mataram completed 150 years on November 7. How can we decide on that date? If it (the national song) has completed 150 years now, the discussion will also be held now. We don't set the dates for such events; we celebrate them," Rijiju said.
"Vande Matram discussion to begin by Union Home Minister Amit Shah in Rajya Sabha," he added. (ANI)