As the centenary commemoration of the 1924 Congress session in Belagavi began on 26 December, a controversy arose with the BJP accusing Congress of attempting to break India by displaying a distorted map on its posters
Published Dec 26, 2024 | 5:55 PM ⚊ Updated Dec 26, 2024 | 5:55 PM
BJP targets Congress for distorted map of India in their posters featuring senior leaders (@BJP4Karnataka on X)
While the commemoration of the centenary of 1924 Congress session in Belagavi got underway on 26 December, a controversy has erupted with the BJP accusing the Congress of wanting to break India again, by putting up a distorted map of India on its posters.
“The Congress is the New Muslim League. It wants to break India, again,” said Amit Malviya, In-charge of BJP’s National Information & Technology Dept in a post on X. He added that, “It can’t be a mistake. It is a statement. It is part of their appeasement politics, which believes Indian Muslims are more loyal to Pakistan than India…”
Sonia Gandhi, as co-president of the George Soros funded Forum of Democratic Leaders in Asia Pacific (FDL-AP) Foundation, which advocates Kashmiri Independence, is not a coincidence, but a firm belief of the Congress…
At its Belagavi event, the Congress has put up a distorted… pic.twitter.com/PYoQWW1ur4
— Amit Malviya (@amitmalviya) December 26, 2024
KPCC President and Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar acknowledged that Congress workers had displayed a distorted map of India. Speaking to reporters, he said, “Someone may have unknowingly put it up. It was also shared (on social media). We are in the process of removing it. They did not know.”
He also said, “The strength of Congress is synonymous with the strength of the country. Congress has always fought to keep this nation united, and it will continue to do so. It is our responsibility to protect India, and that is our commitment.”
It is being alleged that the Congress party has put up these posters throughout Belagavi town as part of celebrations for the centenary event.
The Indian map featured on the posters according to the BJP, omits the Gilgit region of Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir as well as the Aksai Chin region which is currently under the Chinese administration, which are integral parts of Jammu and Kashmir.
The BJP from its national X handle took it one step further. “RaGa’s Mohabbat ki Dukaan is always open for China! They would break the nation. They’ve done it once. They’ll do it again.”
RaGa’s Mohabbat ki Dukaan is always open for China!
They would break the nation. They’ve done it once. They’ll do it again. pic.twitter.com/JKXXLEnFxB
— BJP (@BJP4India) December 26, 2024
The state unit targeted the Congress party for its appeasement policy, calling it shameful.
“@INCKarnataka, has shown utter disrespect for India’s sovereignty by displaying a distorted map at their Belagavi event, portraying Kashmir as part of Pakistan. All this just to appease their vote bank. This is shameful!”
@INCKarnataka, has shown utter disrespect for India’s sovereignty by displaying a distorted map at their Belagavi event, portraying Kashmir as part of Pakistan. All this just to appease their vote bank. This is shameful!#CongressInsultsIndia #JammuAndKashmir pic.twitter.com/ql9JG73Dm9
— BJP Karnataka (@BJP4Karnataka) December 26, 2024
Basanagouda Patil Yatnal, Vijayapura MLA, has demanded a case be registered against the organisers.
“The publication of an incorrect map of India not only constitutes a breach of Geospatial information standards but also violates the law. U/s 74 of the IPC, displaying a wrong map of India is a clear offense. It is also a violation under the National Honor Act. This is the way how the Congress celebrates its historic CWC session by distorting map of India not showing PoK as part of Indian territory. Shame on @INCKarnataka”
“I appeal to the @SPBelagavi to register a case against the organizers for wrongfully depicting the map of India immediately.”
Responding to the BJP’s allegations on putting up a distorted India map in Belagavi, Minister Priyank Kharge told reporters in Belagavi: “Amit Malviya’s job is to spread fake news. Look at his history, how many cases are on him in our state & across the country.”
“He is a king of misinformation & fake news. If you look at his timeline, you will come to know (about peddling fake news). Why are you giving so much importance to him? What truth he has spoken?” Kharge took a dig at Amit Malviya.
Continuing his tirade against the BJP, Kharge said: “I’m surprised that the BJP are aware that where the Lord Ganesh idol has been installed & flexes have been put up but are unaware of BS Yediyurappa’s POCSO case, CT Ravi’s derogatory remarks & Munirathna’s issue.”
“They (BJP) have kept such people to divert from the real issues. Do they talk about economic condition of the country, China issue, & unemployment? They don’t speak on these issues.”
“Amit Malviya does not have the capacity to win the Gram Panchayat election. He tweets for ₹2. Its not said by us but the BJP’s social media team,” charged Kharge.
On putting up distorted India map, Kharge claimed that it was put up by the private firm not the grand-old-party. “If a private person displays photos of our leaders and hangs a banner, does it belong to the party? In our banner, we have not put up map,” Kharge added that there is no need to give importance to Amit Malviya.
When asked about the Deputy Chief Minister admitting about the banner, he said: “Some one has put it up. If we observe it, there is a logo of private company. There will be a follower, of he put up (banner) does it belong to the party?”
“There is a logo of a private company. Is it mentioned in the banner that it was put up by Congress? No! Who is Amit Malviya?” Kharge stated that they will consider taking action regarding this.
(Edited by Ananya Rao)
