The minister also made it clear that participation in the youth conclave is not required for anyone who does not feel proud of their country or finds talking about India humiliating.
Kerala’s Kozhikode: At a youth gathering here on Saturday, Union Minister Meenakshi Lekhi took aim at a segment of the crowd for not shouting the “Bharat Mata Ki Jai” slogan despite her repeated requests for them to.
Lekhi, who was obviously agitated, questioned them if Bharat wasn’t their mother and even advised a woman who was hesitant to shout the slogan to leave the area.
The meeting was arranged by some conservative organizations.
Addressed Youth Conclave 2024 today in Kozhikode, Kerala.
The Modi Government in the last 10 years has been committed towards youth-led development as a result of which India has emerged as world's third largest startup ecosystem. The Yuva Shakti will play a key role in the… pic.twitter.com/0Wxud2kUCV
— Meenakashi Lekhi (@M_Lekhi) February 3, 2024
The senior BJP leader requested the crowd to repeat “Bharat Mata Ki Jai” as she concluded her remarks.
She questioned whether Bharat was not their home because the audience’s answer did not match her expectations.
“Is Bharat your mother as well, or just mine? Tell me.Tell me.Is there any uncertainty? Certainly?”It is necessary to convey enthusiasm,” stated the Union Minister of State for External Affairs & Culture.
She restated the tagline and added that the crowd on the left was still not responding well. Lekhi remarked, pointing to a woman in the crowd, “The lady in yellow (dress) can get up.” Avoid glancing to the sides. I’m going to talk to you like this. I’m going to pose a direct query to you. Is Bharat not your mother? Why are you acting this way?
Lekhi yelled “Bharat Mata Ki Jai” once again. The woman continued to remain still and do nothing. She answered, “I believe you ought to leave the house.”
The minister also made it clear that participation in the youth conclave is not required for anyone who does not feel proud of their country or finds talking about India humiliating.