Indore, Jun 22 (PTI) Madhya Pradesh minister Kailash Vijayvargiya has sparked a controversy by stating that if some Muslims call public representatives of other religions “Kafir,” then they should stop using roads constructed by them and not avail of the benefits of schemes like the Ladli Behna Yojana.
Addressing a programme to launch various development projects in his constituency in Indore on Sunday, the BJP leader said the government has never discriminated against any community, but many members of the Muslim community purportedly call non-Muslim public representatives “Kafir” (infidels).
A video of his controversial statement surfaced on Monday.
He said that if these people consider public representatives “Kafir,” then they should not walk on the roads built by them and should not avail financial benefits of welfare programmes like the Ladli Behna Yojana and Ladli Laxmi Yojana.
“This road is being built here. I saw that both Hindu and Muslim brothers live here. Many Muslim brothers call us ‘Kafirs’. If we are Kafirs and we have built the road, then don’t walk on it, brother.
“If we are Kafirs and if money from the Ladli Behna and Ladli Laxmi schemes is coming to your house, then don’t take it,” the minister added, stressing that the state government has never discriminated against any class.
Notably, the word “Kafir” is generally used to describe those who do not believe in Islam or reject its basic tenets. However, its meaning and usage have varied across periods and interpretations.
Vijayvargiya said ‘Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas, Sabka Vishwas, and Sabka Prayas’ is our policy.
“Whether you vote for us or not, our job is to serve the people,” said the Urban Development and Housing and Parliamentary Affairs Minister.
On Sunday, he inaugurated development projects worth approximately Rs 2.40 crore in his constituency, including drainage lines and road cementing. PTI HWP MAS NSK
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