The incident reflects the “ugly reality” of New India. When a Muslim parliamentarian is not safe in Lok Sabha, one can imagine the precarious state of affairs about the ordinary Muslims on the streets
Team Clarion
NEW DELHI — Jamiat Ulama-i-Hind president Maulana Arshad Madani strongly condemned Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) MP Ramesh Bidhuri for his derogatory remarks against a Muslim lawmaker in Lok Sabha, terming the incident a “disgraceful event” in the history of the country’s parliament.
Stooping to a new low, the BJP parliamentarian called the Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) MP Danish Ali a “terrorist” and demeaningly referred to him as a “circumcised” and Mullah. Bidhuri made the comment during a discussion on Chandrayaan-3 mission’s success. Massive political outrage erupted following the disgraceful remarks. Speaker Birla has cautioned him and warned of strict action if such an offence is repeated, however, opposition parties have been demanding his suspension from the House.
Jamiat President said that there have been very heated and bitter debates in Parliament on many issues before, but no other member has ever used such filthy and undemocratic language against an elected representative.
Maulana Madani called the incident a “disgraceful first in the country’s democratic history” and called for strict action against the erring politician.
He expressed disappointment that no parliamentarians from the ruling party intervened even as Bidhuri kept repeating the offensive words. The Speaker should have taken prompt action to stop Bidhuri, said Madani. He demanded the Speaker to fulfill his constitutional and moral responsibility and take action against the offending politicians. Having taken suo motu action, the Supreme Court has issued orders to take action against hate speech. However, the incident occurred in Parliament where the Speaker has full authority to take action.
Had an opposition member used such language, he would have been suspended by now, remarked Maulana Madani and added the “media backlash” would have ensued. This is a double standard, he said.
The incident reflects the “ugly reality” of New India, Jamiat chief said. When a Muslim parliamentarian is not safe in Lok Sabha, it sheds light on the dangerous state of affairs for common Muslims on the streets.
Almost all the opposition parties have expressed solidarity with Danish Ali and demanded stricter action to prevent such incidents in the future.
