New Delhi:
The opposition in Parliament today demanded criminal charges against union minister Sadhvi Niranjan Jyoti who made a hate speech and used abusive language at a rally in Delhi on Monday. They also want her removed.
Here are 10 developments in this story:
Sadhvi Niranjan Jyoti, sworn in last month as minister of state, used an expletive at a public meeting as she said, "People of Delhi have to decide if they want a government of Ramzaadon (followers of Ram) or a government of those who are illegitimate."
She later clarified that her statement was for those who don't believe in Ram and in unified India. "In this country, where it is Christians or Muslims, all are sons of Ram. Those who don't accept it don't believe in the country," she told reporters.
A howl of protests in Parliament forced Ms Jyoti to apologise in both houses, saying, "It was not my intention to offend anybody. I express regret from my heart and withdraw my words."
Opposition parties have demanded that Prime Minister Narendra Modi must remove the minister and she must face an investigation. CPM leader Sitaram Yechury accused her of causing enmity between communities and said, ""An apology is not enough. She has committed an offence...and till an investigation is over, she can't remain a minister. Her apology is an admission of her crime."
In the Rajya Sabha, Mr Yechury sparred with Finance Minister and leader of house Arun Jaitley, who said, "The comments are improper and unacceptable," but also added that the minister had withdrawn her words and the matter must end in the house.
"The Prime Minister should give an explanation," said Congress leader Anand Sharma.
Mr Yechury and other opposition leaders have said they will not give up on their demands for action against the minister.
Sadhvi Niranjan Jyoti had appeared defiant about her comments earlier, but apparently capitulated after a sharp warning from PM Modi. "Don't address the nation. There will be no compromise on this," he cautioned party MPs in the morning, without taking names.
The 47-year-old saffron-robed Niranjan Jyoti is the junior minister for food processing. Known for her religious discourses, the Sadhvi is a first-time MP from Uttar Pradesh and among the six BJP MPs drafted into the party's campaign for the Delhi polls due early next year.
Her comments have been circulated on social media with hashtags that include #abusiveminister.
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