Congress Slams BJP for 'Corporate Hindutva' and Politicising Religion and Identity

Congress spokesperson Sachin Sawant launched a scathing attack on the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) on Saturday, accusing them of exploiting religion, national identity, and aggressive nationalism for political gain. At a press conference held at Gandhi Bhavan, Sawant alleged that the BJP’s version of Hindutva is rooted in hatred towards other religions and that power is being pursued through the politics of division.

Sawant criticised the naming of Mumbai Metro stations after corporate sponsors, saying it reflects a growing trend of corporate Hindutva. "In the BJP's India, even gods and goddesses are up for sale," he said, accusing the party of turning public spaces and sacred names into commodities.

Examples he cited include:

• Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus renamed as Kotak Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus

• Siddhivinayak Station renamed ICICI Lombard

• Mahalaxmi renamed HDFC Life

• Acharya Atre Station renamed Nippon MF
  
  

"This is not just commercialization; it’s an insult to our deities and national icons," said Sawant. He demanded that Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, and Ajit Pawar publicly clarify their stance.

Sawant accused the BJP of using identity politics to distract from real issues like unemployment, agrarian distress, labor rights, and women’s safety. He also pointed out the selective renaming of cities and landmarks, such as:

• Allahabad to Prayagraj

• Faizabad to Ayodhya

• Rajpath to Kartavya Path

• Race Course Road to Lok Kalyan Marg
  
  

However, names associated with Pandit Nehru and the Gandhis are being systematically erased, he said. "Nehru's name has been dropped from the Science Center, and Sanjay Gandhi’s name removed from the National Park Station," Sawant alleged, calling it an attempt to rewrite history and erase legacies the BJP finds inconvenient.

He also criticised the ongoing privatization of public assets, stating that airports, ports, PSUs, and government lands are being handed over to corporates, often at the cost of cultural and religious identity. "Those who blow conch shells in the name of Sanatan Dharma are now selling temple names for profit. This is the true face of BJP's hypocritical Hindutva," he said.

Sawant concluded by warning that the Congress and the people of Maharashtra will not tolerate these attacks on identity and heritage, accusing the BJP of betraying both religion and public interest in its pursuit of power.

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