Insta
‘Will Go To Nepal If I Want Chowkidar’: Hardik Patel Makes Racist Statement To Attack PM Modi
Swarajya Staff
Apr 23, 2019, 01:49 PM | Updated 01:49 PM IST
Save & read from anywhere!
Bookmark stories for easy access on any device or the Swarajya app.
Congress leader and Patidar agitator Hardik Patel is at the centre of a new controversy after making remarks targeting Prime Minister Narendra Modi which have been widely condemned as racist towards Nepali people, reports ANI.
Watch the video below:
Congress leader Hardik Patel after casting his vote in Viramgam,says "Chowkidaar dhoondhna hoga toh mein Nepal chala jaaunga, mujhe desh mein PM chahiye jo iss desh ke arthvyavastha ko, shiksha ko, yuvaon, jawanon ko mazboot kar sake. Mujhe chowkidar nahi pradhan mantri chahiye." pic.twitter.com/dYGjy7S7YW
— ANI (@ANI) April 23, 2019
After voting at Gujarat’s Viramgam, Patel took aim at the prime minister while addressing a group of media persons. He said that if he wanted a chowkidar (watchman) he would look for one in Nepal.
He stated that he wanted a prime minister who would strengthen the country’s economy, education and youth.
“I want a prime minister, not a chowkidar,” he added.
Patel’s comments saw widespread condemnation on social media for using a racial stereotype about Nepalis to make a political statement.
This is not the first time that an opposition leader has used a racist reference to Nepal in an attack on Modi. Previously, Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) MLA Alka Lamba had similarly posted on Twitter that Indian citizens should vote for a prime minister, as they could obtain a watchman from Nepal.
Save & read from anywhere!
Bookmark stories for easy access on any device or the Swarajya app.
Introducing ElectionsHQ + 50 Ground Reports Project
The 2024 elections might seem easy to guess, but there are some important questions that shouldn't be missed.
Do freebies still sway voters? Do people prioritise infrastructure when voting? How will Punjab vote?
The answers to these questions provide great insights into where we, as a country, are headed in the years to come.
Swarajya is starting a project with an aim to do 50 solid ground stories and a smart commentary service on WhatsApp, a one-of-a-kind. We'd love your support during this election season.
Click below to contribute.