Opposition attacks Shiv Sena MP for targeting Muslims

Congress leader Mallikarjun Kharge also sought criminal action against 'Saamna' and demanded that it should be closed down if needed

Opposition today attacked the government over the controversial statement made by a Shiv Sena MP targeting Muslims, prompting Home Minister Rajnath Singh to say that the Centre in no way endorses such comments which encourage discrimination on religious lines.

Raising the issue in Lok Sabha, M I Shanavas (Congress) said a Rajya Sabha MP of Shiv Sena had in an article in the party mouthpiece Saamna had sought disfranchisement of Muslims.

He said members of the ruling alliance, including BJP MPs in Lok Sabha, have been making such "divisive" statements on a regular basis, with one of them even endorsing forced sterilisation of members of the minority community.

Many opposition members supported him and Congress leader Mallikarjun Kharge said such members were "spreading poison in society to divide it" and demanded a clarification from the Home Minister who was present in the House.

Kharge also sought criminal action against 'Saamna' and demanded that it should be closed down if needed.

Responding to the charge, Singh said, "If somebody gives a statement... Which talks about discriminating against people on the ground of caste, religion or race, I think our government in no way can endorse such comments."

The Constitution makes it clear that nobody can be allowed to discriminate on these grounds, he said.

Kharge said it was the leaders of the ruling alliance and its affiliates who were causing instability.

"Instead of giving out a message that you are bound by the Constitution, your members are making all kinds of divisive statements," he said referring to a number of such remarks made in the past.