Jammu, Mar 3: Bhartiya Janata Party (BJP) once again drew flak in the Lower House after it’s another member, Chaman Lal Gupta, targeted Muslim community saying that they need to be loyal towards the country.
 Speaking on the discussion on Governor’s address, Gupta said that Muslims should be loyal to the country and ‘Islamic fundamentalism is a big issue facing all of us.’
 Provoked by the comments, Minister for Parliamentary Affairs stood on his seat and said that the Member is senior most in the Assembly and all look towards him to learn something, but his comments hurt religious sentiments of members.
 “Aap Pehle Apne Gireban Main Jhank Dekh Le- We never blamed RSS for Makkah Masjid or Ajmer blasts or its Chief Mohan Bhagwat. You have no right to hurt sentiments of Muslims,” the minister said.
 Later, Congress MLA Sharief Niaz, while terming the remarks of Gupta as provocative, said that Muslims don’t need certificate from anyone for nationalism. “No one raises the issue of religion when it comes to Naxalites. You cannot hurt the sentiments of people and play politics over it”, he said.
 Joining Niaz, NC MLA Nazir Gurezi said that House should take notice of repeated use of words ‘Islamic fundamentalism’ by the BJP members in the Assembly. “You have no right to say such things about Islam- it is this religion which has given message of peace to the world.”
 Earlier, BJP Legislative Party leader Chaman Lal Gupta termed the Governor’s address just routine which is brought every year in the House. “Governor Ki Takreer Purana Geet Hai, Kuch Naya Nahi Hai Is Mai”, Gupta said.

Lastupdate on : Thu, 3 Mar 2011 21:30:00 Makkah time
Lastupdate on : Thu, 3 Mar 2011 18:30:00 GMT
Lastupdate on : Fri, 4 Mar 2011 00:00:00 IST