New Delhi: Amid widespread condemnation of the BJP MP who delivered religious slurs against a fellow parliamentarian during a parliamentary session, BJP MP Nishikant Dubey called for an investigation into the alleged misconduct by the victim, after condemning his party colleague's remarks.
Dubey called for an investigation into the conduct of MP Danish Ali, who was at the receiving end of the verbal abuse. Dubey stated, "No civilised society can accept the statement given by Ramesh Bidhuri in Lok Sabha. No condemnation can be enough for this. But Lok Sabha Speaker must also investigate the indecent words and conduct of MP Danish Ali."
During a session in the Lok Sabha, Bidhuri was caught on camera repeatedly abusing and hurling Islamophobic slurs at Danish Ali, a member of Mayawati's Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP). Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla intervened to issue a warning, and Bidhuri's comments were subsequently expunged from the parliamentary records.
The BJP, facing a massive backlash from the opposition, has issued a show-cause notice to Bidhuri, demanding an explanation for his unparliamentary language within 15 days. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh expressed regret in the House shortly after the exchange.
An emotional Danish Ali also shared that he was considering "leaving" parliament if no action is taken against Bidhuri. He described his sleepless night, stating that he felt like his brain was about to 'explode.'
Ali questioned the purpose of the special parliamentary session, asking if it was convened to attack elected MPs based on their community affiliation. He called Bidhuri's remarks "hate speech" and submitted a letter to the Speaker demanding action against his colleague.
The incident has quickly become a rallying point for the opposition, with several political parties, including Congress, DMK, and Trinamool, submitting letters to the Speaker demanding punitive action against Bidhuri.
Congress leader Rahul Gandhi and KC Venugopal visited Ali at his home, sharing a photograph of the two hugging on social media. Gandhi's caption read, "Nafrat ke bazaar mein, mohabbat ki dukkan (In this marketplace of hatred, there is a shop of love)."