BJP Minister Giriraj Singh's "Namak Haram" Remark Sparks Outrage, Opposition Calls for His Removal

Strategic Insights -

Bihar's Minister for Textiles, Giriraj Singh, has sparked widespread outrage after a video went viral of him using the term "namak haram" to refer to Muslims who benefit from the government's welfare schemes but do not vote for the ruling party. Singh, a known provocateur, made the remark at a BJP poll rally in Arwal district on Saturday, saying that his party does not want the votes of "namak haram" people. The opposition has condemned the remark as inflammatory and called for Singh's removal from the government.

Key Takeaways:

  • Giriraj Singh, a 73-year-old minister from Bihar, made the remark that sparked outrage, using the term "namak haram" to refer to Muslims who benefit from the government's welfare schemes but do not vote for the BJP.
  • Singh stands by his remarks, saying he meant to highlight the non-discriminatory nature of government welfare schemes.
  • The opposition, including Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sanjay Raut and Bihar Congress spokesperson Surendra Rajput, has condemned Singh's remarks as inflammatory and called for his removal from the government.
  • Singh has a history of making incendiary comments against Muslims, including calling the Islamic seminary in Deoband a "fountainhead of terrorism" and alleging that Muslim "population growth" is a threat to India's security.
  • The JDU, the BJP's biggest ally in Bihar, has taken a cautious stance on the matter, with some leaders defending Singh's remarks.

Statistics:

  • 7 seats in Bihar feature candidates from more than one Mahagathbandhan partner, with efforts underway to resolve the seat-sharing impasse before the first phase of voting scheduled on November 6.
  • Giriraj Singh is a BMP MP from Begusarai in Bihar.
  • Singh has made 4 previous statements that have been criticized for their inflammatory content, including calling Muslims "namak haram" in 2020.

Sources:

  • "BJP's Giriraj Singh under fire for 'namak haram' remark," The Indian Express, October 22, 2023.
  • "Bihar Polls: Giriraj Singh sparks row with 'namak haram' comment," The Hindu, October 23, 2023.
  • "I don't want votes of 'namak haram': Giriraj Singh's remark sparks outrage," ABP News, October 22, 2023.