*Anil Vij Launches Sharp Attack on Rahul Gandhi Over PM Modi Mimicry; Says “Rahul Gandhi Neither Understands Indian Culture Nor Respects the Dignity of a Mother”*

*“Instead of instilling good values in students, Rahul Gandhi is encouraging them to adopt the wrong habits,” says Vij*

*Today’s youth is intelligent; no one wants to board a sinking ship, and the Congress ship is sinking: Anil Vij*

*On Vande Mataram controversy, Vij hits back at Congress: “Everything is fine in our world; only they know what is going on in the Congress’ mind”*

*SIR is an Election Commission exercise to ensure free and fair elections; the government has no interference in it: Anil Vij*

Chandigarh, September 21: Haryana Energy, Transport and Labour Minister Sh. Anil Vij today launched a sharp attack on Congress leader Rahul Gandhi over the mimicry of Prime Minister Narendra Modi during the ‘Chhatron Ki Goonj’ programme in Indore and remarks concerning the Prime Minister’s mother. Vij said that Rahul Gandhi neither understands Indian culture nor recognises the place and dignity accorded to a mother in Indian society. Vij said that instead of imparting good valuesto students and the younger generation, Rahul Gandhi was encouraging conduct that could adversely influence them. He said that the younger generation should be guided towards respect, discipline and good values.

Addressing mediapersons today, Vij said that Rahul Gandhi was currently moving from place to place in an effort to increase his political stature, but in a democracy, political strength is ultimately reflected through votes. He said that Rahul Gandhi was now attempting to reach out to young people, but recent student election results had also provided a response to Congress politics.

Referring to the recent Delhi University Students’ Union elections, Vij said that ABVP secured three of the four central panel posts, while an independent candidate won the Vice-President’s post. He also referred to the Punjab University election and said that the youth of the country is intelligent and understands the political situation. “People may come to see Rahul Gandhi, but that does not necessarily mean that they are with him,” Vij said, adding, “No one wants to board a sinking ship, and the Congress ship is sinking.”

*On Vande Mataram controversy, Vij hits back at Congress*

Reacting to allegations made by Congress MLA Dr. H.D. Ranganath regarding the BJP’s respect for India’s national symbols, Vij said that the BJP respects the National Flag, sings the National Anthem and also sings the National Song, Vande Mataram. “National flags are hoisted, the National Anthem is sung and the National Song is also sung. What is going on in their world, only they know, but everything is fine in our world,” Vij said. Sh.Vij further said that the BJP had never taken the name of the person who assassinated Mahatma Gandhi.

*“SIR is an Election Commission exercise; government has no interference”*

On Congress allegations regarding the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls, Vij said that SIR is an exercise being undertaken by the Election Commission to ensure free and fair elections and that the state government has no interference in the process. He said that it is the responsibility of the Election Commission to ensure that only eligible voters are able to exercise their franchise. Vij said that the exercise was being conducted to ensure that questions relating to citizenship and voter eligibility are properly addressed and that only eligible voters participate in elections.Vij reiterated that the SIR exercise is the responsibility of the Election Commission and said that the government has no role in interfering with the electoral process.