BJP condemns comments against Jain monk

Comments over Jain monk Tarun Sagar was indecent, undignified and petty, said BJP general secretary Anil Jain

The BJP on Sunday condemned Vishal Dadlani and Tehseen Poonawala's comments on Jain monk Tarun Sagar's address in the Haryana Assembly, terming them "indecent" and "petty".

A statement issued by Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) General Secretary Anil Jain, who called Dadlani an Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leader, and Poonawala a "Congress supporter", said their comments were "indecent, undignified and petty".

"The condemnable comments on Muni Tarun Sagarji Maharaj show the petty mindset of AAP and Congress.

"It shows the thinking of leaders of these parties towards religion and saints," it said.

Tarun Sagar, a Digambar Jain community monk, addressed the Haryana assembly on Friday.

A day later, Dadlani called Tarun Sagar's speech as "monkery". He later deleted his comment but came under widespread attack from members of the Jain community.

AAP convenor Arvind Kejriwal described Tarun Sagarj "as a very revered saint, not just for Jains but everyone. Those showing disrespect is unfortunate and should stop. We deeply respect him and his thoughts".

Delhi Home Minister Satyendar Jain also apologised for Dadlani's remark.

Dadlani on Sunday announced he quit the AAP after offending the Jain community.

Poonawalla, in a tweet, had said: "Why is this 'naked' man 'holy' even if he walks 'nude' in the state assembly while a woman would be termed slut (sic)".