Modi backs Amitabh, lashes out at ‘Talibans of untouchability’

Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday attacked those opposing Amitabh Bachchan due to his acceptance of Gujarat Government’s proposal to become a brand ambassador of Gujarat Tourism.

In his blog post published on Sunday evening, Gujarat Chief Minister used strongest possible words to criticize those opposing Amitabh Bachchan.

Modi said the Talibans of untouchability have lost their sense. They will tomorrow oppose the consumption of salt in the country and will also ban even Amul milk and butter in the country. They will also tell youths not to wear jeans. Why? Because these products are produced in Gujarat! Modi said it is time to identify these Talibans who have gifted a new political untouchability. Those who are opposing Amitabh’s love for Gujarat and trying to create hurdles in his way are the activists of newer kind of untouchability. Mahatma Gandhi spent his life to remove untouchability from the society but those who talk about Gandhiji have now brought a new type of approachability in public life.

“The love of Amitabh Bachhan for Gujarat is being dragged in to controversy. Respected Mahatma Gandhi had worked ceaselessly for the removal of untouchability from our social life during his life time. But these people, while brandishing Mahatama Gandhi’s name, are, in fact busy creating a new viciousness in the flow of our public life. The anti-Gujarat game plan behind the opposition and controversy to Shri Amitabh Bachchan stands exposed in broad daylight now. These ‘Talibans of Untouchability’ have lost all their sensibilities in their pursuit of anti-Gujarat attitudes. They may well in future tell us not to eat salt even. They may even ban the eating of Amul butter and milk and order our young people not to wear denim jeans! And guess why? Because Gujarat produces these things. ”

“Friends, my heart is still unwilling to believe that these Talibans are unaware of the damage they are causing to this nation and to our society. Friends, now is the time to recognize with crystal clarity these Talibans, who are busy introducing a new untouchability in our public life.”

Modi praised Bollwood superstar Amitabh Bachchan for his willingness to face the protest and controversies to speak about Gujarat’s glorious heritage with humbleness and feelings.

“A great artist with legendary humility and even taller achievements like Shri Amitabh Bachchan who has chosen to celebrate the glorious heritage of Gujarat and her ‘asmita’ even while facing a lot of criticisms from many quarters is an inspiring matter.”

In the end of the blog post, Modi quoted a line of his poetry and conveyed it to the Talibans of untouchability:

The one who loves my Gujarat,
Is my soul(Atma).
The one who loves my India,
Is my God(Parmatma).