Assam Chief Minister Dr Himanta Biswa Sarma gave a new twist to the
ongoing political row over India’s loss in the cricket World Cup final, saying
that the final was played on Indira Gandhi’s birth anniversary.
Dr Himanta, who addressed an election rally in Hyderabad, alleged that
the Opposition parties are “in cahoots” with those opposed to Prime Minister
Narendra Modi.
The Assam CM said he would like to tell the BCCI that it should ensure in
future that a final match is not organised on the day which coincides with the
birthday of a Nehru-Gandhi family member.
“That day India vs Australia World Cup match happened. We were winning
every game. Lost the final. Then I came and saw. What was that day? Why we
lost? We are Hindus and I go according to the day, etc. Then I saw the world
cup final was played on such a day which was also Indira Gandhi’s birth
anniversary,” he said.
“The World Cup final was held on Indira Gandhi’s birth anniversary and
the country lost. That’s why, I want to tell BCCI that if you do world cup
final game, make a calculation. That day should not be linked to Gandhi family.
Otherwise, the country will lose,” he said.
He asked the gathering to search on the internet about the day the final
match was played which happened to be Indira Gandhi’s birth anniversary.
That’s why he tells all and the BCCI to ensure that the final “should not
be (held on) any birthday of Gandhi family,” he said.
“Otherwise, there will be trouble,” he said adding, Indira Gandhi imposed
Emergency in the country.
Dr Himanta, however, did not make any reference to Congress leader Rahul
Gandhi’s comments of “PM means Panauti Modi”.
A political row broke out on Tuesday with Congress leader Rahul Gandhi
saying “PM means Panauti Modi”, insinuating that Prime Minister Narendra Modi
brings bad luck, with the BJP denouncing his comment as “shameful and
disgraceful” and demanding an apology.
Prime Minister Modi attended the World Cup final in Ahmedabad with
Australian Deputy PM Richard Marles.
PTI
