Bihpur MLA Engineer Shailendra says he would prefer to lose an election than accept votes from Muslims
Team Clarion
NEW DELHI – The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leaders, parliamentarians, legislators, and activists of all hues from the top of the hierarchy down to the last man, have systematically been deriding and disparaging the country’s religious minorities, especially Muslims, ever since the saffron party came to power in 2014.
As part of the same diabolical strategy, a BJP legislator from Bihar’s Bihpur constituency, Engineer Shailendra, has claimed that Muslims are harmful to the nation and that the community should implement population control in earnest.
Addressing a gathering in his constituency on Sunday, Shailendra openly stated that he would prefer to lose an election rather than accept votes from Muslims. “We stand firm on our statement. There’s nothing wrong with it. We don’t want Muslim votes,” the MLA declared, referring to his dissatisfaction with the Muslim community’s voting patterns.
Shailendra further emphasised that despite his party’s work in the region, including providing transformers and road infrastructure over the past decade, the Muslim community had failed to support him with votes, media reports reaching here said.
“Who creates disorder across the country? Who opposes those who vote for Sanatan Dharma? Who are the terrorists in the country? Why are temple remnants found in mosques? Who is responsible for all these activities? It is Muslims who do this, and who supports Muslims? It is the RJD (Rashtriya Janata Dal). We don’t need Muslim votes because Muslims are harmful to the nation. Why should we take their votes? Today, who is killing soldiers on the border? Is it Hindus from Pakistan, or is it Muslims?” he was quoted as saying.
He also made a provocative statement regarding population control, suggesting that while Hindus have one child, Muslims tend to have larger families. He urged Muslims to implement population control measures, a comment that has sparked further outrage.
Shailendra’s remarks have drawn condemnation from political rivals, particularly from opposition parties, who accuse him of fuelling communal tensions and divisiveness ahead of the crucial state elections. This latest controversy adds to the growing tension in Bihar’s political landscape as parties prepare for the 2025 assembly elections.
Shailendra expressed confidence that the BJP-led NDA, with the backing of OBC and Hindu communities, would form the next government in Bihar in 2025.
