Boycott 'pro-BJP' traders, buy goods from Panipat: Kairana's SP MLA to locals

In a queer appeal, SP's Kairana MLA Nahid Hasan has urged people of his assembly segment to boycott "pro-BJP" shopkeepers and buy goods of their daily needs from neighbouring Panipat in Haryana to make them "fall in line".

"My appeal to all the residents of Kairana is that you should stop purchasing goods, items and material from pro-BJP shopkeepers," Hasan is heard urging people in a video footage, which has gone viral on the social media.

"For next 10 days or for even a month, you go to the neighbouring Panipat (in Haryana) and face some hardships," Hasan is heard saying, oblivious of the losses that UP state exchequer may incur in the process.

"Their business runs only when we buy things from them. This will make pro-BJP shopkeepers to mend their ways and fall in line (tabiyat mein sudhaar aa jaayegaa)," the Kairana MLA is heard telling the people.

On being asked about the footage, Hasan promptly owned it up, saying it was indeed his message.

"The small traders both Hindus and Muslims are harassed by pro-BJP shopkeepers of the city, who want to uproot small traders from their traditional marketplace," he told PTI.

"Here we (Muslims) are more and you are earning money from us," said an unabashed Hasan, adding, "This is my personal opinion."
Reacting to Hasan's appeal in the video message, UP BJP spokesperson Chandramohan termed it as "abysmal" and "divisive."