BJP MLA does another Nupur Sharma, insults Prophet

Learning from the past mistake, the BJP took no time in suspending its Telangana legislator T Raja Singh from the party after he was arrested on Tuesday for allegedly making derogatory comments against Prophet Muhammad.

Background

The BJP and several right wing groups were unsuccessfully protesting against a show by noted standup comedian Munawar Faruqi in Hyderabad. The saffron groups in Bengaluru allegedly managed to get the Faruqui show cancelled, but this didn’t work in Telangana.

Saffron party takes swift action, this time

The state BJP swung into action soon after it came to know about the video and served notice to Singh. In the notice, Om Pathak, a member of the Disciplinary Committee, said, “You have expressed views contrary to the Party’s position on various matters, which is in clear violation of Rule XXV. 10 (a) of constitution of the Bharatiya Janata Party. I have been directed to convey to you that pending further inquiry, you are suspended from the party and from your responsibilities/assignments if any, with immediate effect.” Pathak also asked Singh to show cause within 10 days from the date of the notice as to why should he not be expelled from the party.

Muslims stage massive protest

Massive protests broke out across Hyderabad from the members of the Muslim community demanding immediate arrest of Singh. Many All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM) legislators and corporators of Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation reached the police stations, where protests were held and sought stringent action against T Raja Singh. However, police swung into action and detained some protestors as they tried to barge into the commissioner’s office. According to Hindustan Times, Amanullah Khan, a local leader, said over 200 Muslims were arrested while staging protests against Singh. In his police complaint, activist Wajihudiddin Salman said Singh used vulgar language against the Prophet in a video uploaded on a YouTube channel named “Sree Ram Channel, Telangana” late on Monday night. The video was later removed.

Police arrest

A case was registered against Singh under various sections of the IPC pertaining to promoting enmity between different groups on grounds of religion, deliberate and malicious acts, intended to outrage religious feelings of any class by insulting its religion or religious beliefs, and criminal intimidation, among others, reported the NDTV. On Monday, the legislator released a video to protest against an event by stand-up comedian Munawar Faruqui, who performed in Hyderabad. However, in the video he is also purportedly seen making some comments against the religion of Islam.

The suspended legislator still defiant

His video was reportedly pulled down by the social media platform on which it was uploaded. But the legislator said that he would upload “part 2” of the clip after his release. “They removed my video from YouTube. I don’t know what the police are going to do. Once I am released, the second part (of the video) will certainly be uploaded. I am doing it for Dharma. I am ready to die for Dharma,” the legislator said.

Earlier, BJP leader Nupur Sharma made offensive comments on the Prophet which triggered widespread diplomatic row with several Gulf countries demanding apology and action against her. The party then suspended Sharma and strictly asked his party members and leaders to avoid making any distasteful comments on any religion. Sharma was suspended by the BJP and as many as 10 cases were filed against her across the country. Notably, Muslim nations issued condemnations with Gulf countries demanding action and apology from the government.

-INDIA NEWS STREAM