The BJP on Monday came out hard against the Congress for questioning the award of Padma Shri to acclaimed singer and pianist Adnan Sami.
Charging Congress with lapping up a ‘set of Muslims’ who always speak against Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Indian Constitution, the BJP lashed out at the Opposition party for criticizing the Government for awarding ‘Padma’ honour to the Sami and said he was “highly deserving”.
Addressing a Press conference here, BJP spokesperson Sambit Patra said though Congress objection was based on Sami’s father having served in Pakistani air force, the Congress-led United Progressive Alliance had in the past backed and feted the singer-musician who was invited to play Piano by the Congress Government on the occasion of 500 years of Taj Mahal, he said.
Patra took a dig at Congress saying if father’s past is to cloud the present of anybody than Congress President Sonia Gandhi would be the first victim as the BJP spokesperson claimed her father was in the service of fascists Italian dictator Mussolini and Germany’s Hitler and sought to know why she was given Indian citizenship.
He said former Home Minister P Chidambaram was as recently as in 2013 supporting that Sami be given Indian citizenship. BJP leader pointed out that Sami, for long, has been living in London and not in Pakistan. Everything has changed now since BJP has honoured the musician , he said.
Patra said Sami’s father was treated in India and even his book was released by an Indian publication as he could not do so in Pakistan, he said.
Patra asserted that Sami is “highly deserving” and was given the Padma honour on merit.
He also referred to Sami’s mother Naureen Khan’s background as a resident of Jammu to target the Congress, asking if the party does not respect Muslim women from the region.
BJP ally and Union Minister Ram Vilas Paswan also backed the Government’s decision to confer Padma Shri award on Sami, saying he has enhanced India’s stature with his talent. Hitting out at the criticism of the decision, the Lok Janshakti Party leader said, “After completing all the formalities, he was granted Indian citizenship in 2016. He has elevated India’s reputation and honour through his talent. I congratulate him on being honoured with Padma Shri.”
“Those who are opposing the award to the famous singer are not aware of Indian Citizenship Law. Indian citizenship has no relation with religion. Anyone who fulfils the requisite conditions of the citizenship act can become Indian Citizen,” Paswan said.