In a recent parliamentary session, Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) Lok Sabha MP Ramesh Bidhuri faced severe criticism and calls for action after using derogatory anti-Muslim slurs against his fellow parliamentarian Danish Ali of the Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP). The incident, which occurred on Thursday night, has ignited a heated debate on hate speech within India’s political arena.
During the Lok Sabha proceedings, Bidhuri was captured on camera shouting, “Yeh ugrawaaadi (militant), yeh aatankwaadi hai (terrorist), ugrawaadi hai, yeh aantankwaadi hai,” while also referring to Ali using derogatory terms such as “Mullah aatankwadi, bharwa (pimp), and katwa (circumcised).” He went further, saying, “Baahar phenko iss mulle ko (Throw this ‘mullah’ out).”
Congress leader Kodikunnal Suresh, who was presiding over the session, attempted to restore order and directed MPs to sit down. Suresh later ordered the removal of Bidhuri’s comments from the official records.
Despite the hate speech being widely condemned, the BJP has not taken any immediate action against Bidhuri. However, Defence Minister and Deputy Leader of the Lok Sabha Rajnath Singh expressed regret over the remarks, stating, “I express regret if the opposition is hurt by the remarks made by the member.” Singh claimed he had not personally heard the comments.
Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla cautioned Bidhuri of “strict action” if such behavior reoccurs but did not specify any consequences for this incident.
Danish Ali, the target of Bidhuri’s derogatory language, has formally requested Speaker Birla to refer Bidhuri’s comments to the Lok Sabha privileges committee. In his letter, Ali described the episode as “most unfortunate” and urged an inquiry into the matter.
Congress leader Jairam Ramesh dismissed Singh’s apology as an “eyewash” and emphasized the gravity of Bidhuri’s remarks, saying, “Bhiduri has spoken in a language that is an insult not just to parliament but to every Indian.”
The Communist Party of India (Marxist) called for Bidhuri’s arrest, arguing that parliamentary privilege cannot shield hate speech.
BJP MP Harsh Vardhan, who faced criticism for his response during the incident, claimed that both MPs used unparliamentary language against each other but did not address the communal slurs used by Bidhuri. Vardhan then noted his friendships with Muslim individuals.
This incident has ignited a broader conversation about hate speech within the political sphere and raises questions about the consequences of such behavior among elected representatives.
Summary:
- BJP MP Ramesh Bidhuri faces backlash for hurling derogatory anti-Muslim slurs at BSP’s Danish Ali during a Lok Sabha session.
- The incident has sparked a debate on hate speech in Indian politics.
- Congress leader Jairam Ramesh criticized Rajnath Singh’s apology as inadequate and called for Bidhuri’s suspension.
- The Communist Party of India (Marxist) demanded Bidhuri’s arrest, asserting that parliamentary privilege should not protect hate speech.
- The incident highlights the need for a broader discussion on the consequences of such behavior among elected representatives.