Craftsman Qadri praises PM Modi for Padma award, Congress links clip to Karnataka Muslim votes

In a video, Karnataka Bidri craft artist Shah Rasheed Ahmed Quadri was seen thanking PM Modi after receiving the Padma Shri award. The Congress has accused the BJP of “tutoring” the Muslim artist to make such a statement.

The prime minister along with Union Home Minister Amit Shah interacted with the awardees, including Rasheed Quadri, after the investiture ceremony was over.

By Amit Bhardwaj: The Congress has accused the BJP of “tutoring” renowned Bidri craft artist Shah Rasheed Ahmed Quadri, who on a video thanked Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the BJP after receiving the Padma Shri award.

After the Padma awards ceremony on Wednesday, when PM Modi wished Quadri and shook his hands, the Karnataka artist told the PM: “I was expecting a Padma award during the UPA government, but I did not get it. When your government came, I thought now the BJP government would not give me any award. But you have proved me wrong. I express my sincere gratitude to you”.

Reacting to the conversation between PM Modi and the Muslim artist from Karnataka, Congress’s Pramod Tiwari said, “To get an advantage in the Karnataka polls, they tutored Rasheed Quadri to make such a statement so that they get the sympathy of the Muslim voters. But it is not going to happen.”

Pramod Tiwari further claimed that “BJP is releasing only select statements.”

Veteran Bidri craft artist from Karnataka, Shah Rasheed Ahmed Quadri, received Padma Shri from President Droupadi Murmu on Wednesday.

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BJP REACTS

BJP spokesperson Shehzad Poonawala slammed Pramod Tiwari for insulting the craftsman. “Congress’ Pramod Tiwari who wanted separate law for Gandhis now alleges that legendary Bidri craftsman, Padmashri Shah Rashid Ahmed Qadri was “tutored” to praise PM @narendramodi for votes (sic),” he said in a tweet.

“This is an insult of not just the craftsman but of Karnataka & of the Padma Awardees who come from most humble backgrounds. Today the Awards have become People’s Padma but true to its character Congress parivar attacks these people , Karnataka’s culture & art. Will they sack Pramod Tewari? Or else people will respond in Karnataka,” the BJP spokesperson wrote on Twitter.

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