The soiled statements, laced with contempt towards Muslims, were removed from legislative records by Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla.
Ramesh Bidhuri, a BJP parliamentarian
Ramesh Bidhuri, a BJP parliamentarian from South Delhi, hurled a series of derogatory words at a Muslim MP in the Lok Sabha on Thursday, forever marring a special session that should have been remembered for the passage of the women’s bill with one of the most revolting chapters in independent India.
The outburst caused key Opposition parties to call the RSS’s culture into question, as well as the value of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s “sabka saath” slogan.
The filthy statements, laced with anti-Muslim sentiment, were removed from legislative records by Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla.
However, Danish Ali, the targeted BSP MP, reiterated the statements at a press conference at his house on Friday and in a letter to the Speaker.
Normally, such gross language is not published in newspapers. However, because Ali felt compelled to mention the abuses, which highlight how deeply hatred has taken root in this country — neither Bidhuri’s position as an elected representative of the people in a republic nor the hallowed status of the House of the People prevented him from unleashing the invectives — it would be unjust to censor the words he said outside the House.
Furthermore, while speaking to reporters, Ali emphasised a key point: similar rhetoric is frequently used against Muslims outside Parliament.
Ali said that during his statement (on the successful conclusion of the Chandrayaan mission), the speaker used some of the most degrading and derogatory language towards him. “Bhadwa” (pimp), “katwa” (circumcised), “mulla ugravadi” (Muslim fanatic), and “atankwadi” (terrorist).
Ali threatened to resign from the Lok Sabha if action against Bidhuri was not taken, and he requested that the case be submitted to the privileges committee.
The Speaker’s answer, a harsh warning to the BJP member, infuriated the Opposition parties and a significant number of individuals on social media, who demanded Bidhuri’s arrest immediately. Several leaders emphasised that Opposition MPs had been suspended for considerably lighter infractions, but Bidhuri’s outburst had the potential to disrupt the country’s communal situation.
The Prime Minister, who previously excused Bhopal MP Pragya Singh for disrespecting Mahatma Gandhi and praising Nathuram Godse by saying merely that he would not forgive her “from the heart,” has not spoken to this scandal.
Niranjan Jyoti remained a minister during Modi’s first term after portraying the political situation as a battle between “Ramzade and Haramzade.” The BJP has filed a show-cause notice to Bidhuri, who has 15 days to respond.
Congress lawmaker Kodikunnal Suresh, who was in the Chair at the time of the event, said he had directed employees to remove the remarks. After the Opposition’s complaint in the House, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh stood up and said, “I express regret if the remarks made by the member have hurt the Opposition.”
Harsh Vardhan and Ravi Shankar Prasad, two former ministers who were purportedly spotted chuckling as their colleague was abusing and degrading a whole community, sparked outrage and horror on social media. Prasad stated that he has never encouraged indecent remarks. As an MP representing Chandni Chowk, Harsh Vardhan provided a thorough explanation of how he enjoyed good connections with Muslims.
Rahul Gandhi paid a visit to Danish Ali’s home to offer sympathy, suggesting that he would not remain silent if any community was targeted.
“The New Parliament began with Bidhuri’s words,” claimed Congress communications leader Jairam Ramesh. This demonstrates the BJP’s true intentions. This MP should face severe consequences. It is a good candidate for suspension.”
The Congress has written to the Speaker, requesting that action be taken against Bidhuri.
“The Prime Minister has given birth to a distorted socio-political culture against the rich parliamentary traditions of the country,” RJD president Lalu Prasad stated, “in which one of his MPs glorified the terrorist who killed Mahatma Gandhi.”
“Bidhuri is not alone in the BJP who speaks this language; there are countless others who have made toxic remarks,” stated Samajwadi Party leader Akhilesh Yadav. Bidhuri should not be permitted to run in any future elections.”
Former Jammu and Kashmir chief minister Omar Abdullah’s remark mirrored the type of hopelessness that exists among sections of the Muslim population.
We would be accustomed to it if he had just labelled us terrorists, he said. On social media, we are constantly labelled as terrorists. However, he said things that cannot be broadcast on television. We are humiliated and outraged. This is how Muslims are handled. I wonder how those in power who embrace this narrative get any sleep at all.
“This is sad, but we are not surprised,” RJD leader Manoj Jha remarked. This is Modi’s Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam in action. Which political party’s MP praised Godse as a patriot? What would the Muslims on the street face if this was occurring in Parliament? Why is the Prime Minister deafeningly silent? Is this behaviour sanctioned by him?”
Mahua Moitra of Trinamul said, “Abusing Muslims and OBCs is an essential part of the BJP ethos; most now perceive nothing wrong with it. Narendra Modi has led Indian Muslims to life in such dread in their own country that they smile and bear it.”
“This is mafia language,” AAP leader Sanjay Singh stated. Is this the RSS’s teaching? Om Birla should take action…”
Muslim lawmakers were distressed. “There is nothing surprising in this,” remarked Asaduddin Owaisi of the AIMIM. Every day, a new low is revealed in the BJP. I am certain that nothing will happen. He might be named Delhi BJP head. Today, Muslims in India are regarded similarly to Jews in Hitler’s Germany. I have an idea: Modi could transcribe this film into Arabic and send it to his friends throughout the world.”
“Parliament is now being used as a platform to humiliate Muslims,” Samajwadi Party MP Hasan Ali stated. We never expected to witness this day in India. “What is Parliament’s message to the rest of the world?”