New Delhi: BJP MP Ramesh Bidhuri, facing criticism for making derogatory remarks towards a Muslim MP within the parliament, declined to comment on the matter on Sunday. He mentioned that the Speaker, Om Birla, would address the issue. Bidhuri has maintained his silence since the controversy erupted.
#WATCH | Delhi: When asked about the remarks made against BSP MP Danish Ali in Lok Sabha, BJP MP Ramesh Bidhuri says, "Speaker (Om Birla) is looking into that, I don't want to make any comment about it." pic.twitter.com/l53brKW7qp
— ANI (@ANI) September 24, 2023
Meanwhile, Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) MP Danish Ali, who expressed distress over the incident and even contemplated leaving the Lok Sabha if no action was taken against Bidhuri, has responded by accusing the ruling party of attempting to manipulate the narrative against him.
Following this, BJP’s Nishikant Dubey, while condemning Bidhuri’s language, sent a letter to Speaker Om Birla, urging an investigation into the “inappropriate” behavior of Ali as well.
In his letter, Dubey stated “The fact remains that during the entire speech of Shri Bidhuri, Shri Danish Ali indulged in a ‘running commentary’ and also made unsavory remarks towards one and all with a view to cause hindrance to Shri Bidhuri and also instigate him to ‘lose his calm and composure’ and not be able to express his views in the House.
The BJP MP claimed that while Bidhuri was addressing the Lok Sabha, the BSP MP was actively trying to provoke him and, at a high volume, uttered an “extremely offensive and disrespectful remark” about PM Modi.
During a discussion on the Chandrayaan-3 mission’s achievements in the Lok Sabha on Thursday, Bidhuri used a series of Islamophobic insults against the BSP MP. This led to strong disapproval and widespread condemnation from both politicians and social media users. On Friday, the BJP issued a show-cause notice to Bidhuri, requesting an explanation for his behavior.