MINISTER of State for Food Processing Industries Sadhvi Niranjan Jyoti has sparked off a controversy by claiming that everyone including Muslims and Christians are sons of Ram.
While asserting her point and convincing people to vote for the Bharatiya Janata Party, she added that those who do not believe in this ideology, do not belong to India. “It is for you to decide, whether you want to vote for those who believe in Ram or those who are non-believers,” she said.
Addressing a gathering in Delhi on Monday, she heaped praises on Prime Minister Narendra Modi for his efficient working style. “Narendra Modi’s mantra is not to indulge in corruption and not let others to be a part of it,” she said.
However, the BJP leader clarified her point saying, “I was targeting the separatist and anti-national forces. Why are people taking offence to that? What would you say to the people who attacked Parliament? What would you say to the people who attack our borders. All that I have said is that when Indians go abroad they are referred to as ‘hindustani’,” she said.
Related story: No Christian in Modi govt; 9 out of every 10 ministers are Hindus
The opposition parties have demanded a clarification from the government over the statement and sought Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s on it.
Congress leader Randeep Surjewala said, “We condemn the use of words by Sadhvi Niranjan Jyoti. The BJP is practicing politics of division. The Prime Minister should answer this as she belongs to his Cabinet.”
Other political also upped the ante against Niranjan Jyoti and called her statement a highly deplorable one.
Biju Janata Dal leader Jay Panda said, “I am saddened to hear the use of this kind of language by a Cabinet minister. It is highly deplorable.”
Nationalist Congress Party Majid Memon said, “What the Sadhvi said is inappropriate. It does not matter what a person’s religion is.” CNN-IBN
