Pankaja Munde at Bhagwan Gad Dussehra fair: 'We do not want youth who burn the country'

BJP leader Pankaja Munde addressed people at the Dussehra fair held, as in previous years, at Bhagwan Gad in Beed this year. She spoke on several issues, and also referred to the Gen Z movements under way in India and some other countries.

Ms Munde gave the new generation a message of patriotism, respect for the country and responsible leadership. "We do not want youth who burn the country," she said. Speaking of respect for the country, patriotism and social harmony, she said plainly, "We do not want youth who burn our own country." She also appealed to Gen Z, the new generation, to stress issues when they lead.

Citing conflict and instability around the world, she referred to the situation in France. Giving the examples of the Russia-Ukraine and Iran wars, she said the country did not want a young generation that does not respect the nation.

Invoking the ideas of Gopinath Munde and the leadership that had worked with Jayaprakash Narayan, she set an ideal before young people. The message of her speech was that today's youth are capable, but that leadership must rest on ideas and issues. Leadership is not built on aggression or conflict alone.

Ms Munde voiced concern that, with drought in Maharashtra, attempts to divide society could be made. She said caste walls needed to be broken down rather than raised.

"I have adopted Antarwali. I will develop this village and love it as much as Beed," she said. According to her, love should spread from village to village. She also said those who try to rise on the basis of caste will not find success in the long run. She added that educated and trained leadership can give the country the right direction, while those without a clear agenda create tension in society.

On drought, Ms Munde said she had handled drought-like conditions before. She said clearly that she would make efforts to face the crisis this time too.

She said she would work with Narendra Modi and Devendra Fadnavis on fodder grants through CSR funds and try to support drought-hit people. She also expressed an intention to work on the ground for river conservation.

At the Bhagwan Gad Dussehra fair, Ms Munde thus gave young people a message of patriotism and responsible leadership, and pledged to remove caste divisions and take measures against drought.