Sports Aren’t Free from Politics, Says Kiren Rijiju, MoS for Sports and Youth Affairs, at Pune Event

Reported by Varad Bhatkhande

Pune, 23rd September 2024: Through the Vikasit Bharat Campaign by the Union Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, a ‘Yuva Connect’ program was held at Modern College. On this occasion, Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Youth Affairs and Sports Kiren Rijiju engaged in a direct conversation with the students present. Dr. Gajanan Ekbote, Working President of the Progressive Education Society, and Prof. Nivedita Ekbote were also in attendance.

While speaking on this occasion, Union Minister Kiren Rijiju stated, “India should accept the fact that it is not yet ‘vikasit’ and strive for it. Questions arise as to why the target of development was not established immediately after independence and why no efforts were made in that regard. Indians are gifted; their intelligence surpasses that of citizens in any other country in the world. In 2047, India will celebrate 100 years of independence, and the country should become developed by then. What could not be accomplished in 75 years should be achieved in the next 22 years. A developed India is Modi’s guarantee.”

Arunachal Pradesh MP Rijiju continued, “Youth should do what they believe is right for a developed India. It is a misconception that politics is solely the domain of politicians. Politics exists everywhere, even in sports. The extent of politics in the industry is unimaginable! In the field of education, there is even politics among professors. Young people are welcome to enter electoral politics. Almost 25% of the country’s population is youth. However, meeting the aspirations of these young people is challenging.”

Kiren Rijiju further said, “When Narendra Modi became Prime Minister, the functioning of the central government changed. Before the Modi government came to power, there were constant reports of government corruption in the newspapers. However, in ten years, there is not a single stain of corruption on any minister in the Modi government. We have maintained our clean image. Earlier, ministers rarely visited border areas; they would only sit in Delhi. But we go from village to village, living and working on the ground.”

Over 5 Lakh Objection notices Received for Waqf Bill

While speaking to the media before the event, Union Minister Kiren Rijiju, when asked about the Central Waqf Council, said, “Many organizations in the Muslim community have supported the amendments to the Waqf Act to ensure proper use of the land. The Bill is currently before the Joint Parliamentary Committee. Citizens have sent more than 5 lakh objection notices, which is a world record. No one anticipated that there would be so many objections. He also stated that all objections will be taken into consideration.”

“Leaving Kejriwal’s Seat Vacant Makes No Sense”

Also taking a dig at Delhi’s newly sworn-in Chief Minister Atishi, Kiren Rijiju remarked that Atishi will be a remote-controlled CM of Delhi. The Supreme Court has clarified that Kejriwal will not be able to perform his duties as Chief Minister. Therefore, if Atishi leaves the post of Chief Minister ‘vacant’, it makes no sense. Speaking about Mahayuti, Rijiju said that witnessing the work of the Central Government and the initiatives in Maharashtra, people will support only Maharashtra. He also stated that it is not right to divide people by caste in the state.