Amanatullah Khan represents Delhi's Okhla constituency in the legislature.
Highlights
- AAP lawmaker Amanatullah Khan heard on camera abusing Modi government
- Khan attacked govt over arrest of cleric Maulana Mufti Abdus Sami Qasmi
- AAP doubts authenticity of video, even as Khan confirms he made comments
A lawmaker of Delhi's ruling Aam Aadmi Party or AAP, Amanatullah Khan, is heard on camera using abusive language against the Modi government and inciting a gathering to picket Home Minister Rajnath Singh's home.
In the video, Mr Khan, who represents the Okhla constituency, is seen at a public meeting where he attacks the Centre over the arrest of a cleric, Maulana Mufti Abdus Sami Qasmi, last month.
The AAP leader is also heard urging the gathering to surround Rajnath Singh's home in case of such arrests.
"If you people decide to gherao (surround) the home minister's house...Delhi has a huge Muslim population...If you decide to do it then I can assure you that the government will not even dare to look at your children," Mr Khan is heard saying.
"They (police) have no proof against Mufti Sami. I was told by police that he is involved in influencing youths to join anti-national forces. An atmosphere of terror is being created. All of you have to fight against it. I will very soon ask you to come and join a protest for the release of Sami and you have to come," he adds.
Today, Mr Khan confirmed that he made the comments at a function on Monday, but added that he does not regret them. He said the word he used was not an abuse and not a personal attack on Prime Minister Narendra Modi. "People who know Urdu are aware of the meaning. It means a dishonest person who makes money without working for it. The BJP is being dishonest with minorities and Dalits," he said.
Though the lawmaker has confirmed the comments attributed to him, AAP has questioned the authenticity of the video. "Why should we ask Amanatullah to explain? What is the proof that his voice is not doctored?" questioned the party's Ashutosh.
Maulana Mufti Abdus Sami Qasmi was arrested last month from Uttar Pradesh over his alleged links to ISIS suspects arrested ahead of Republic Day celebrations last month.
Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal had last year caused an uproar by calling PM Modi a "coward and psychopath" after a CBI team searched his offices.