Amid rising concerns over controversial statements made by Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leaders, Union Home Minister Amit Shah has issued a strong message emphasizing the importance of restraint and discipline in public communication. Speaking at a three-day training program for BJP leaders from Madhya Pradesh, Shah stressed that while mistakes can happen, repeating them is unacceptable.
The training camp, held in Pachmarhi, Narmadapuram district, was organized in response to recent controversial remarks by party leaders that have drawn criticism and put the BJP on the defensive. One notable instance involved derogatory remarks made by State Minister Vijay Shah against Colonel Sofiya Qureshi, who briefed the media during Operation Sindoor. These remarks sparked widespread condemnation, including from the Supreme Court. Deputy Chief Minister Jagdish Devda and MLA Narendra Prajapati also faced criticism for their comments regarding Operation Sindoor and the armed forces.
While Amit Shah did not directly reference any specific leader or incident, his message was clear: BJP leaders must exercise caution and think before they speak. An MLA from Bhopal who attended the camp reported that Shah emphasized that "anyone could make mistakes, but it is important not to repeat those." This sentiment was echoed by other party leaders who acknowledged the need for improved public communication skills and discipline within the party.
The three-day event is designed to train leaders in effectively communicating with the public, maintaining discipline, and addressing sensitive issues. Sessions will cover various topics, including the history and growth of the BJP, as well as the party's governance in Madhya Pradesh. Senior leaders such as Rajnath Singh, B.L. Santhosh, Shivraj Singh Chouhan, and Shiv Prakash are scheduled to address the attendees.
A state minister attending the camp highlighted the importance of discipline and restraint, particularly in the age of social media. They noted that statements can quickly spread and become controversial before clarifications can be made. The minister emphasized that the main lesson from the event would be to "think before you speak because what you say becomes the party's statement in the media and among the masses."
BJP spokesperson Pankaj Chaturvedi affirmed that such training camps are a regular part of the party's policy, focusing on adapting to future needs and emerging situations in politics. This initiative reflects the BJP's effort to ensure its leaders communicate effectively and responsibly, maintaining the party's image and credibility in the public eye.
In addition to addressing the issue of controversial statements, Amit Shah also spoke about the BJP's journey from Jan Sangh to its current status, highlighting the party's growth and acceptance across various levels of governance. He emphasized the importance of continuous learning and dedication to the party's principles, stating that only those who remain students and have the zeal to learn can bring about change. Shah also mentioned the government's commitment to bringing Indus water to Sri Ganganagar within three years, a move that he claimed would leave Pakistan yearning for every drop. He recalled the contributions of leaders like Dr. Shyamaprasad Mukherjee and his efforts to remove Article 370.
