India-Pakistan cricket match: Khattar slams Opposition, says India will not hold grudges forever

Amid sharp criticism over the India-Pakistan cricket match, Union Minister for Power, Housing and Urban Affairs Manohar Lal Khattar hit out at Opposition parties, emphasising that sports programmes within an international system were governed by rules and discipline. He also stressed that India does not believe in carrying grudges for a lifetime.

However, he stressed on clear conditions for better relations with Pakistan. He said terrorism would not be accepted and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir must returned to India. “If these conditions are accepted, there is no harm in building relations with our neighbours,” said Khattar in a reply to a question asked by mediapersons on the sidelines of the BJP workers meeting at party’s district office Karna Kamal on Sunday.

He pointed out that matches were not held on the Pakistani soil, but at neutral venues like Dubai, where facilities were provided for both the teams. “There are two teams, 11 players on each side, and the spirit of the game should prevail,” he said.

Referring to the Pahalgam attack, the Union Minister highlighted the swift and decisive response of the Indian Army through Operation Sindoor, calling it a significant action that earned appreciation across the country. He reiterated that India had made it clear — terror-related activities would never be tolerated.

“Before levelling allegations, the Opposition should reflect on its own actions,” he added.

When asked about the demand of farmer leaders for a flood-relief package for Haryana, he said, “Severe floods have struck several parts of India, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah personally reviewing the damage in Punjab, Jammu and Kashmir, and other states. Haryana too has seen damages, but not as much as those states. Still, wherever farmers or others have suffered, the government will fully compensate them. The Chief Minister has already assured this, as he always does. This time too Haryana will extend more support to flood-affected than other states under proper schemes.”

Earlier, while addressing party workers and leaders, Khattar said a nationwide “Swachhata Hi Sewa” campaign would start from September 17 to October 2 as part of the Sewa Pakhwada”. During this 15-day period, a series of 17 programmes would be organised at the district, Assembly, and village levels, he added.

Khattar highlighted that the campaign coincides with important dates — PM Modi’s birthday on September 17, the birth anniversaries of Father of Nation Mahatma Gandhi and former Prime Minister Lal Bahadur Shastri on October 2, and the birth anniversary of Pandit Deendayal Upadhyaya on September 25.

“Cleanliness drives will be undertaken across cities, with some areas being directly managed by MLAs and public representatives,” he said.

He explained that activities would include blood donation camps, the “A tree for mother’s name” initiative, meetings with intellectuals, business conference on the GST, and distribution of literature. “These efforts will run alongside upcoming festivals, ensuring people participate in both celebrations and service activities,” he added.