Remarks Over Prophet Muhammed: BJP Cracks a Whip Against Its National Spokespersons

New Delhi: The BJP on Sunday suspended its national spokesperson Nupur Sharma over her inflammatory remarks on Prophet Muhammed during a TV debate. The high command has revoked her party’s primary membership. 

The ruling party has also expelled Delhi BJPs’ media in-charge, Naveen Jindal, for his views on social media that would disturb the communal harmony in the country. 

“Your primary membership is immediately terminated and you are expelled from the party,” a communication from its Delhi president Adesh Gupta said.

During the TV debate on the ongoing Gyanvapi Masjid row, Nupur Sharma had made objectionable comments against the Prophet Muhammed. In a communication sent to Nupur Sharma from the party's disciplinary committee said, she has expressed views contrary to the party's position on various matters, which is in clear violation of its constitution.

“Pending further inquiry, you are suspended from the party and from your responsibilities, assignments if any, with immediate effect,” it said.

#BJP central Discipline committee statement. #NupurSharma pic.twitter.com/W9iA7eHrnX

— United News of India (@uniindianews) June 5, 2022

After a series of protests over Twitter over the alleged disparaging remarks against the Prophet Muhammed by the BJP spokespersons Nupur Sharma and Naveen Kumar Kindal, the party took action against them. 

Qatar summons Indian envoy

Qatar on Sunday summoned an Indian envoy over objectionable comments against Prophet Muhammed by BJP spokespersons Nupur Sharma and Naveen Kumar Jindal. 

In a press statement, the Arab country welcomed the BJP's action against the two leaders.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs Summons the Indian Ambassador and Hands Him an Official Note on Qatar’s Total Rejection and Condemnation of the Remarks of an Official in the Ruling Party in India Against Prophet Mohammed#MOFAQatar pic.twitter.com/rp7kMnWXdu

— Ministry of Foreign Affairs - Qatar (@MofaQatar_EN) June 5, 2022

Kuwait registers protest

After Qatar summoned an Indian envoy on Sunday, Kuwait's deputy foreign minister for Asia handed over a note of protest over “abusive statements” against Prophet Muhammed made by now-suspended leaders of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). 

He also welcomed the announcement about the suspension of the BJP spokesperson whose comments about the Prophet of Islam have sparked an uproar in the country and abroad.

دولة الكويت تستدعي سفير جمهورية الهند، وتسلّمه مذكرة احتجاج ترفض فيها بشكل كامل وتشجب التصريحات التي صدرت عن مسؤول في الحزب الحاكم ضد الرسول الكريم عليه الصلاة والسلام.
الخبر كامل: https://t.co/tnTp7mWglg pic.twitter.com/QlVvAXE3NM

— وزارة الخارجية (@MOFAKuwait) June 5, 2022

BJP clarifies on religious freedom

Earlier, the BJP National General Secretary Arun Singh issues a statement saying, “The BJP is strictly against any ideology that insults or demeans any sect or religion. The BJP does not promote such persons or philosophy.”

The statement further added that the Indian Constitution Constitution gives people the right to follow their faith and practice their religion.

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“The BJP strongly denounces the insult of any religious personalities of any religion,” the party said. 

The statement comes close on the heels of comments made by RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat this week which said there is no reason to escalate fights.