To
Shri Rajiv Gauba
Cabinet Secretary
Govt of India
Dear Shri Rajiv Gauba,
I have come across a disturbing news report (https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/pull-out-tongue-gouge-out-eyes-union-minister-gajendra-shekhawat-on-sanatan-dharma-row-4383061) which stated, “Union minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat has said anyone who speaks against the Sanatan Dharma would have his tongue pulled out and his eyes gouged out. A video of Mr Shekhawat making the purported remarks went viral on social media. He was speaking at a public rally in Barmer district of poll-bound Rajasthan last week during BJP’s Parivartan Yatra“.
I am not sure whether the concerned Union Minister made such a statement at all, unbecoming of a person occupying such a high, responsible public office at the Centre, as it prima facie implies a threat to commit criminality. I sincerely hope that the Union Minister has not been quoted accurately, which I am sure the concerned investigating officers can readily verify from the video recording of the proceedings.
However, if the news report is factually correct, I suggest that you brief the Prime Minister suitably for appropriate action, as a statement of that kind would not only constitute criminal intimidation but also erode the credibility of the political executive.
Within the framework of the Constitution, the citizens are entitled to express their views freely and no one has the right to threaten or intimidate them.
Ironically, the Sanatana Dharma itself expects its protagonists to shed anger, and promote freedom from hatred, promote forgiveness and endurance, which the Union Minister’s reported statement negates!
Regards,
Yours sincerely,
E A S Sarma
Secretary to the Government of India
Visakhapatnam
