New Delhi:
A Shiv Sena MP forcing a roti into the mouth of a catering supervisor at the Maharashtra government's official guest house in Delhi has triggered a major political storm. The man was fasting for Ramzan.
Here are some reactions from top leaders on the incident:
Uddhav Thackeray, President, Shiv Sena: "There was no intent to hurt religious sentiments... now it appears the Sena's version is being suppressed."
Rajiv Pratap Rudy, Leader, BJP: That action, if it has been displayed, is not exactly what should have been happened. But I can tell you with guarantee, with assurance that there was no intention to hurt the feelings of an individual or community. The government is not aware of the full facts. Once the facts come, the Speaker will take a call on it.
Rashid Alvi, Leader, Congress: Not only should there be a criminal case lodged against them, but also their membership of Parliament should be cancelled. What they have done is against our Constitution and our secularism.
Nitish Kumar, Senior leader, JD(U): This was an attack on religious beliefs... We should respect each other's beliefs... It is revolting against the Constitution... Strong action should be taken,
Mayawati, Leader, BSP: If there is truth in this matter, without any delay, the central government should arrest the MP and initiate action against the Shiv Sena MP in question.
Omar Abdullah, Chief Minister, Jammu and Kashmir: I'd like to see how the BJP/SS would have reacted if a Muslim MP had forced a non-Muslim Vegetarian to eat meat. Shame on them.
Supriya Sule, MP, NCP: It is very unfortunate and I am very saddened by what happened... It's not about the religion... I think it's unfortunate that it happened... I am embarrassed.
Sitaram Yechury, Politburo member, CPI(M): Want a discussion in the Zero Hour and Parliament should clearly state that such acts won't be tolerated.
Mehbooba Mufti, President, PDP: I think the government should have taken serious note of this and we should have had a proper discussion. And the Chair should have come up with some kind of reprimand, which hasn't happened.
Asaduddin Owaisi, President, Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen: It's absolutely wrong. His name was there in front of him. His name was Arshad. They knew he was a Muslim employee. He repeatedly said that he is fasting. Despite that, they assaulted him. They forcibly made him to break his fast. This is totally unacceptable.
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