Health Minister Irfan Ansari blames BJP and RSS for the clashes; former speaker CP Singh hits back
Team Clarion
HAZARIBAGH – As violence subsided in this city of Jharkhand, a fierce verbal war has ignited between political leaders in the aftermath of the communal clashes in Ichak during Mahashivratri celebrations on Wednesday. The incident, which involved stone pelting and arson, has sparked heated statements from both sides.
Jharkhand’s Health Minister Irfan Ansari blamed the BJP and the RSS for the unrest. Speaking to the media in the state assembly on Thursday, Ansari criticised the incident and the BJP’s policies. “I am aware of the Hazaribagh incident. This kind of trend will not work. They are insulting the minority community. Being a minority in the state is not a sin. Our community works hard. We respect all religions. We will take strict action against anyone who takes the law into their hands,” he said.
The BJP, however, has strongly opposed this view. Senior BJP MLA and former assembly speaker CP Singh accused the ruling party of failing to protect the Hindu community. “Hindus are being constantly attacked in this state. Mleccha people pelt stones during our festivals. Hindus need to unite and fight against such people. If even a single stone is thrown at a Hindu, it will get a befitting reply,” Singh declared.
The war of words escalated further when Singh responded to Ansari’s remarks about the RSS, calling them a key factor in the violence. “What does it matter if Irfan says anything? What is his status? What does it matter if he becomes a minister? RSS seems to be his father,” Singh retorted sharply.
Meanwhile, former chief minister and BJP state president Babulal Marandi condemned Ansari’s statements, urging a more constructive approach. “Such verbal acts should not be done. The government should investigate how the incident happened and who got it done. He is a minister, he should not say such things,” Marandi said.
