Union Minister Giriraj Singh, a senior leader of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), has ignited controversy with remarks made during a rally in Arwal on October 18. At the event, he stated he did not want votes from “namak haram” (betrayers), a term he used to refer to Muslims.
In a viral video from the rally, Singh criticized Muslims for not supporting the BJP despite benefiting from government welfare schemes. He recounted an interaction with a local cleric, asking whether he had received the Ayushman card, to which the cleric replied affirmatively. Singh then inquired about any discrimination experienced between Hindus and Muslims, to which the cleric again answered “No.” However, when Singh asked if he had voted for him, the cleric did not confirm, leading Singh to express his sentiment that those who do not acknowledge benefits are “betrayers.”
The rally served to launch the NDA’s election campaign for BJP candidate Manoj Sharma (Arwal) and JD(U) candidate Pappu Verma (Kurtha), and was attended by Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel.
Singh’s statements have drawn significant political backlash. The Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) called for his removal from the Union Cabinet. RJD national spokesperson Subodh Kumar Mehta criticized the Prime Minister for not taking action against Singh, suggesting that the BJP relies on a politics of hatred. He stated, “Come election, someone like Giriraj Singh will make provocative statements in a bid to polarise votes.”
RJD leader Mritunjay Tiwari accused Singh of intentionally exacerbating communal divisions, noting that the BJP consistently employs Hindu-Muslim rhetoric during elections. He recalled Singh’s previous comments about sending those who do not vote for the BJP to Pakistan, questioning the BJP’s record over the past 11 years.
Purnea MP Rajesh Ranjan, known as Pappu Yadav, also criticized Singh, urging him to reflect on historical figures considered traitors during India’s freedom struggle. Yadav emphasized that those who supported British rule were the real traitors.
The Janata Dal (United) distanced itself from Singh’s comments, with chief spokesperson Neeraj Kumar asserting that the remarks were “contrary to the government’s policies.”
The incident highlights the ongoing tensions in Bihar ahead of the upcoming elections, with parties increasingly vocal about the communal implications of political rhetoric.
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