Government Defends ASI Against Hindutva Ideology Allegations

The government dismissed claims that the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) adheres to Hindutva ideology, stating it's committed to equal development for all. Union Culture Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat refuted AIMIM's Assadudin Owaisi's suggestions in Lok Sabha, emphasizing that ASI operates without preferential treatment under Modi’s leadership.

The government has firmly rejected accusations that the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) is aligned with Hindutva ideology, maintaining that it adheres to a philosophy of inclusive growth for all communities.

During a Lok Sabha session, Union Culture Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat responded to AIMIM's Assadudin Owaisi, who had called for the 'detoxification' of ASI, implying it was influenced by Hindutva thoughts. Shekhawat argued that previous privileges might have been based on vote bank politics, but this is not the current practice.

Shekhawat reassured that the government, under Narendra Modi's leadership for over a decade, operates without favoritism toward any community, adhering to the approach of 'sabka saath, sabka vikas.'

(With inputs from agencies.)