Ghaziabad (UP), May 12 (PTI) Samajwadi Party spokesperson Rajkumar Bhati was booked on Tuesday for allegedly making derogatory remarks against Brahmins.
The FIR, based on a complaint filed by BJP leader Dr Ajay Sharma at Kavinagar police station, was registered under Section 196(1) (promoting enmity between different groups on grounds of religion) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, police said.
In his complaint, Sharma demanded strict action against Bhati, alleging that his comments against the Brahmin community had hurt his sentiments.
In a video that has gone viral, Bhati is heard saying, “Neither is a Brahmin good, nor is a courtesan.” However, after the video sparked outrage, the Samajwadi Party spokesperson offered an apology and said certain parts of his speech were selectively excerpted and used to spread malicious propaganda.
Reacting to Bhati’s remarks, Deputy Chief Minister Brajesh Pathak said the “real character and hateful mindset” of the Samajwadi Party has been exposed once again.
He said the “derogatory and insulting” remarks made by the Samajwadi Party spokesperson against Brahmins were condemnable and reflected the party’s mentality.
“The Brahmin community, which has contributed to the nation through knowledge, culture, the Constitution and nation-building, does not deserve such language. Such remarks are extremely unfortunate,” Pathak said.
The deputy chief minister alleged that the Samajwadi Party had repeatedly made statements against Sanatan Dharma, saints and social harmony in the past.
He cited alleged remarks made by senior Samajwadi Party leaders, including Azam Khan’s controversial statement on Bharat Mata, comments by former party general secretary Swami Prasad Maurya on Ramcharitmanas, alleged objectionable remarks by a Samajwadi Party MP against Prime Minister Narendra Modi, and comments against Union minister and BJP state president Pankaj Chaudhary.
Pathak said Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav should clarify whether Bhati’s statement reflected the party’s official ideology or not.
“If not, he should show courage by taking strict action immediately and issuing a public apology,” Pathak said.
“The Brahmin community across the country will never accept this insult. Those indulging in divisive politics and spreading caste hatred will be answered democratically by the people. Those who do not respect values and traditions do not deserve to be in power,” he added. PTI ABN RUK RUK
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