BJP MP Ramesh Bidhuri’s derogatory remarks against Danish Ali in the Lok Sabha triggered a huge political firestorm with the BSP member threatening to quit Parliament if action was not taken against Bidhuri and the entire opposition rallying behind Ali, with some calling the comments “hate speech”.
The opposition parties demanded Bidhuri’s suspension even as Speaker Om Birla took “serious note” of the matter and warned the MP of “strict action” if such behaviour was repeated. The BSP MP lamented that if a minority member was attacked with communal slurs inside Parliament, what must be the fate of ordinary Muslims outside.
“This is nothing less than hate speech. This is hate speech on the floor of the House. Hate speeches were being made outside Parliament but now hate speech has been delivered on the floor of the House by a BJP MP,” Ali said.
“I expect that the Speaker will take action on this. But if action is not taken, then with a heavy heart, I can consider quitting the membership of this House because people have not sent me to Parliament to listen to hate speeches.”
Ali wrote to the Speaker demanding an investigation by the privileges committee into Bidhuri’s "most foul" comments while Congress, NCP, TMC and DMK wrote to Birla separately with the same demand. Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, along with party general secretary K C Venugopal, visited Ali at his residence to express solidarity with him.
BJP chides Bidhuri, issues him notice
BJP said the party leadership has admonished Bidhuri and has issued a show-cause notice to him for his derogatory remarks. The party, however, asked opposition parties what action they had taken against their leaders for using abusive language against PM Narendra Modi more than 90 times. “ BJP strongly condemns the use of any kind of abusive language. Taking immediate cognisance of the indecent remarks, party president J P Nadda has issued a show-cause notice to the MP and asked him to reply within 10 days.”