New Delhi:
The Islamophobic remarks against an MP in the Lok Sabha have emerged as a new rallying point for the Opposition in its fight against the BJP.
Ruling party lawmaker Ramesh Bidhuri’s comments, which have sparked disgust, outrage and widespread condemnation since Thursday evening, have now prompted several letters to the Lok Sabha Speaker, demanding immediate punitive action against the MP.
Four opposition parties wrote a letter to Chairman Om Birla on Friday. These include the Congress, DMK and the Trinamool Congress, which is important as they are the three opposition parties with the largest number of MPs in the Lok Sabha. The Congress letter was released minutes after former party chief Rahul Gandhi met Bahujan Samaj Party member Kunwar Danish Ali and posted pictures of the meeting with a “mohabbat ki dukaan” (shop of love) message.
Privilege Committee
All the letters demanded that the matter of Mr Bidhuri’s conduct and comments be referred to the Privileges Committee of Parliament and immediate action be taken against him. The opposition parties have also pointed out the ‘hypocrisy’ of Congress leader in the Lok Sabha, Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury, who has been suspended for one insulting comment, but no similar action has been taken against the BJP MP.
In his letter to the Speaker, Mr Chowdhury demanded punitive action against Mr Bidhuri for “using blatantly offensive and unparliamentary words against a member of a leading political party, Danish Ali, who also happens to belong to the minority community”.
“What is even more regrettable is the fact that this unprecedented, unfortunate and distasteful incident took place during the special session of Parliament convened to commemorate 75 years of history and also during the discussion marking the success of ‘Mission Chandrayaan III’,” the letter said.
“Considering the circumstances and the blatant violation of all norms and rules relating to the functioning of the House of Representatives, it would only be appropriate to have the matter investigated in detail by the Privileges Committee and to take punitive action against the erring member , Ramesh Bidhuri.” Mr Chowdhury wrote.
Similar letters were written by DMK leader Kanimozhi, Trinamool MP Aparupa Poddar and Nationalist Congress Party MP Supriya Sule.
“During his speech, Mr. Ramesh Bidhuri directed the most vile, insulting abuses against Mr. Kunwar Danish Ali which are part of the record of the Lok Sabha,” Ms. Kanimozhi said in her letter and demanded a privilege motion against the BJP . MP.
INDIA Unity
All four parties are also part of the Indian National Developmental Inclusive Alliance (INDIA) and several other members of the bloc also spoke in one voice against Mr Bidhuri’s comments. Experts say the issue could help bring the bloc closer together, especially in light of speculation surrounding seat-sharing disputes, the CPM’s refusal to appoint a member to the coordination committee and perceived disagreements on issues like the caste census .
Rahul Gandhi’s contact with a member of a party whose leader, Mayawati, has said she will remain non-aligned and has attacked both the INDIA bloc and the NDA several times, has also created a stir in political circles.
The Aam Aadmi Party has also condemned the comments, pointing out that “no action” will be taken against Mr Bidhuri, while their MPs Sanjay Singh and Raghav Chadha remain suspended.
“We condemn these comments. These comments show the ideology of the party (BJP). When our MPs raise relevant issues, they are suspended while no action is taken on such comments,” Priyanka Kakkar, the party’s chief national spokesperson, told news agency PTI.
Bidhuri’s comments were also condemned by Samajwadi Party leader Akhilesh Yadav and National Conference leader Omar Abdullah, among others.
Speaker, BJP Action
Officials said Chairman Om Birla has paid “serious attention” to Ramesh Bidhuri’s communal insults and warned him of “strict action” if he repeats such behaviour.
Following outrage from the Opposition and on social media, the BJP has issued a show-cause notice to the MP and asked him to explain his conduct within 15 days.
Defense Minister Rajnath Singh said in the Lok Sabha: “I regret if the Opposition is hurt by the member’s comments.” However, opposition parties condemned him for issuing a “half-hearted” apology.