After controversy over spokesperson's statement, BJP says 'respects all religions'

New Delhi: On Sunday, the BJP, which sought to quell the controversy over the remarks made by its spokesperson Nupur Sharma against the Prophet Muhammad, affirmed that it respects all religions and strongly condemns the insult to any religious personality.

BJP general secretary Arun Singh said in a statement that the party would take sttictly against any ideology that insults or denigrates any sect or religion, after controversy sparked over BJP spokesperson Sharma's remarks. He added that such people or philosophy is not promoted by the party.

But the BJP statement did not directly mention the particular incident or comment. Protests have erupted from Muslim organizations over Sharma's remarks during a television debate, according to the Indian Express.

Singh said, "During the thousands of years of history of India every religion has blossomed and flourished. The Bharatiya Janata Party respects all religions. The BJP strongly denounces insult of any religious personalities of any religion."

He added that the Constitution of India gives every citizen the right to practice any religion of his choice and that all regions ought to be respected and honoured.

"As India celebrates 75th year of its Independence, we are committed to making India a great country where all are equal and everyone lives with dignity, where all are committed to India's unity and integrity, where all enjoy the fruits of growth and development," the BJP leader said.