The BJP's central leadership has refused to even comment on the matter of Ram Shankar Katheria's alleged speech.
Ram Shankar Katheria, junior education minister in the Modi government, has landed in controversy for speaking at a prayer meeting for a murdered Vishva Hindu Parishad or VHP leader. Inflammatory speeches were allegedly made at the prayer meeting for Arun Mahaur in Agra on Sunday.
Mr Katheria too made a speech. "All of this that is happening to the youth in this country, the conspiracies against the Hindu community...We will have to get strong and fight this conflict...Today, one Arun has died, tomorrow another Arun will die...before the second Arun dies (his) killers should go," he allegedly said in Agra.
In his presence, several others allegedly made even more inflammatory speeches against Muslims. Among them was Chaudhary Babu Lal, BJP's lawmaker from Fatehpur Sikri. He allegedly spoke of "warning Muslims about the strength of Hindus."
The opposition has demanded Mr Katheria's resignation. But the BJP's central leadership has refused to even comment on the matter. SP leader Ram Gopal Yadav said, "PM Modi should sack the minister for making such inflammatory remarks."
Mr Katheria defended the speeches. He told reporters in Delhi, "Arun Mahaur was murdered in broad daylight while returning from a Pooja. He was murdered because he used to work against two taskhars (smugglers) and was the vice president of the VHP. There is too much anger among the Hindu community and that is why these protests have taken place. The protests will continue until we get justice. "
Mr Mahaur was murdered last week. Around 10.30 am on February 25 as the VHP leader was returning to his furniture shop, a man named Shahrukh allegedly fired at him. The VHP leader died on this spot. A case of murder was registered against five people who have been arrested but the VHP leader's family alleges a larger conspiracy.
Speaking to NDTV, Vinod Mahaur, the VHP leader's brother said, "My brother was killed because he worked very hard to stop cow slaughter in this area. All the five accused are involved in beef trade. The beef trading nexus here is involved in the murder of my brother."
Police sources say they are still investigating the matter and have not found anything to support the claim.