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Year Ender 2024: Political statements often cause uproar. Let us tell you about some such political statements of this year i.e. the year 2024 which gave rise to widespread debate and controversy. From allegations of weakening democratic institutions to comments inciting communal or social discord, these statements dominated the headlines and polarized public opinion.
Congress leader Rahul Gandhi stood a step away from several politically sensitive comments, but chief among them were his distasteful 'two types of soldiers' statement and false claims about religious freedom for minorities in India. And then, of course, there were other celebrities like Sam Pitroda and Sambit Patra who took to the streets for racially insensitive comments or politically provocative comments. These include Mamata Banerjee, Arvind Kejriwal, Mayawati and other leaders.
Rahul Gandhi's 'two types of soldiers' remark
Congress leader Rahul Gandhi stirred up a major controversy when he claimed that PM Modi had created 'two types of soldiers' in India. According to Gandhi, one group comprised poor, Dalit and minority soldiers (recruited under the Agniveer scheme) who were deprived of benefits such as pension and canteen facilities, while soldiers from rich families enjoyed all these privileges. His remarks were accused of disrespecting the Indian Army and the BJP filed a formal complaint with the Election Commission.
Lord Jagannath comment by Sambit Patra
BJP leader Sambit Patra has landed himself in trouble by claiming that Lord Jagannath is a "devotee" of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. His remarks were made during Modi's roadshow in Puri, Odisha. Patra's remarks were seen as a controversial attempt to mix religion with politics and were criticised for disrespecting the religious sentiments of the people of Odisha.
Mamata Banerjee accused of 'voter fraud'
West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee sparked a controversy when she alleged massive voter fraud in her state and claimed that the BJP was trying to manipulate the election results through illegal means. Her allegations were strongly criticised by her political opponents, who saw them as an attempt to discredit the electoral process and undermine democracy.
Arvind Kejriwal's allegation of 'dictatorship'
Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal accused the central government of promoting "dictatorship" in India, particularly criticising the curbing of state powers and sidelining elected state governments. His comments were seen by many as an attack on the ruling party and seen as undermining India's democratic institutions.
Rahul Gandhi's comment on religious freedom in America
Rahul Gandhi faced criticism after he made factually incorrect statements about the religious freedom of minorities in India while speaking at an event in Herndon, Virginia. Gandhi claimed that Sikhs in India are not allowed to wear turbans, carry kadas (steel bangles) or visit gurdwaras. The remarks were criticised by both the BJP and the Sikh community, who argued that these practices are freely followed in India. The community also pointed out that the only major threat to Sikh identity in India was during the anti-Sikh riots in 1984, when the Congress was in power.
Nitish's statement on population control in Bihar
During a discussion in the assembly, Chief Minister Nitish Kumar had said something about population control in Bihar, due to which the women members present in the house had to lower their eyes. The Chief Minister's statement on population control was so obscene that protests started across the country. After which Nitish Kumar publicly apologized for this statement.
