Rohith Vemula offered namaz for Yakub Memon: Vijayvargiya

He also said that Rohith was not a weak youth, who would have committed suicide

Rohith Vemula, Hyderabad University, YSR Congress, YS Jagan Mohan Reddy
Social Fronts and Students Organisation members take part in a candle march protest over the death of Rohit Vemula in Nagpur of Maharashtra. Photo: PTI
ANI Kanpur
Last Updated : Jan 31 2016 | 6:37 PM IST

BJP general secretary Kailash Vijayvargiya on Sunday stirred a controversy with his remark that Dalit scholar Rohith Vemula used to offer namaz for Yakub Memon and organised beef parties, adding that he was not a weak youth who would have committed suicide.

"One who protested against the execution of terrorists, one who said he feels like sin whenever he sees saffron colour, one who publicly announced to organise beef party, one who offered namaz for terrorists like Yakub Memon cannot be a weak youth, who would have committed suicide," Vijayvargiya told the media here.

The BJP leader said those protesting against Rohith's suicide are responsible for his death and added that they are trying to defame Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
 

Vijayvargiya's remark came a day after External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj said Rohith Vemula, who committed suicide, was not a member of the Dalit community.

*Subscribe to Business Standard digital and get complimentary access to The New York Times

Smart Quarterly

₹900

3 Months

₹300/Month

SAVE 25%

Smart Essential

₹2,700

1 Year

₹225/Month

SAVE 46%
*Complimentary New York Times access for the 2nd year will be given after 12 months

Super Saver

₹3,900

2 Years

₹162/Month

Subscribe

Renews automatically, cancel anytime

Here’s what’s included in our digital subscription plans

Exclusive premium stories online

  • Over 30 premium stories daily, handpicked by our editors

Complimentary Access to The New York Times

  • News, Games, Cooking, Audio, Wirecutter & The Athletic

Business Standard Epaper

  • Digital replica of our daily newspaper — with options to read, save, and share

Curated Newsletters

  • Insights on markets, finance, politics, tech, and more delivered to your inbox

Market Analysis & Investment Insights

  • In-depth market analysis & insights with access to The Smart Investor

Archives

  • Repository of articles and publications dating back to 1997

Ad-free Reading

  • Uninterrupted reading experience with no advertisements

Seamless Access Across All Devices

  • Access Business Standard across devices — mobile, tablet, or PC, via web or app

More From This Section

First Published: Jan 31 2016 | 5:54 PM IST

Next Story