Union Minister Maneka Gandhi, while making a campaign speech to appeal to voters, almost seemed to be threatening the Muslim community in Sultanpur, Uttar Pradesh that she would not work for them if they did not vote for her.
In the clip that is doing the rounds online, Maneka can be heard saying that she will definitely win the elections, and it’s the voters who’ll need her.
“This is important. I am winning. Because of people’s help, their love, I am winning. If my win will be without Muslims, I won’t like it because, this much I will tell you, that the heart becomes sour (dil khatta ho jaata hai). Then when a Muslim person comes for work, I think let it be, how does it matter. After all, giving work is also a negotiation. Am I right or no? It’s not like we’re all the sixth child of Mahatma Gandhi that we come and keep on giving, and then take a beating during the elections. Am I right or not? You’ll have to recognise this. This victory will be with or without you, and you’ll have to spread this everywhere,” she says.
Maneka is the sitting MP from Pilibhit and her son Varun Gandhi is the sitting MP from Sultanpur. For the 2019 polls, they have switched seats. Varun Gandhi will now contest from Pilibhit and Maneka Gandhi from Sultanpur.
“I have extended a hand of friendship. You go and ask in Pilibhit, even one person from Pilibhit, how Maneka Gandhi was there,” she says.
“If you think there will be some criticism about me, then don’t vote for me. But if you think that we have come with open arms and an open heart, then you will need me tomorrow. I have won the election. Now you will need me. And for that need if you need a footing, then this is the time. When your result comes and from your booth there are just 100 or 50 votes, and then you come to me for work, then the same will happen with me,” she adds.
Women and Child Minister #ManekaGandhi on camera says:
— Khabar Bar (@Khabar_Bar) April 12, 2019
“I am going to win for sure. If Muslims won’t vote for me and then come to ask for work, I will have to think, what’s the use of giving them jobs.”#LokSabhaElections2019 @ECISVEEP pic.twitter.com/BHG5kwjwmQ
The authenticity of the clip could not be individually verified.
In a similar vein, Sakshi Maharaj, also of the BJP, according to ABP News, said: “I am a sanyasi (monk) and I am here to beg at your door, if you refuse a sanyasi, I would take away the happiness of your family and will curse you.”