New Delhi: A significant controversy has erupted in the wake of BJP MP Ramesh Bidhuri’s highly inflammatory remarks within the parliament, prompting widespread outrage. Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla issued a stern warning to Bidhuri today, cautioning him of the possibility of “severe action.” Notably, Bidhuri’s offensive comments have been expunged from the parliamentary records.
The Speaker, responding to the offensive language employed by Ramesh Bidhuri against Muslim MP Danish Ali of the BSP during a Lok Sabha discussion on the “success of Chandrayaan,” expressed his serious concern and reprimanded Bidhuri. According to officials, Mr. Birla conveyed to Bidhuri the potential consequences of further instances of such behavior.
A video recording captures Mr. Bidhuri repeatedly using abusive language and Islamophobic slurs directed at Danish Ali while making his point. In response to this incident, Danish Ali wrote a letter to the Speaker, expressing his disappointment and stating, “The fact that it happened in a new Parliament building under your leadership is heartbreaking for me as a minority member of this great nation and an MP.”
Opposition leaders swiftly condemned the BJP MP’s actions and demanded substantial punitive measures against him. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh subsequently expressed regret in the House, stating, “I express regret if the opposition is hurt by the remarks made by the member.”
However, the opposition deemed the apology insufficient, calling for the suspension or arrest of Ramesh Bidhuri. Congress leader Jairam Ramesh emphasized that “strictest possible action” should be taken against the BJP leader, labeling the incident as an insult to Parliament and every Indian.
Furthermore, the Congress party pointed out a disparity in the treatment of its Lok Sabha leader Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury, who was suspended in a previous session for allegedly “insulting ministers.” At the same time, no equivalent action had been taken against the BJP MP for significant worse remarks.
The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) also expressed shock and condemned the incident, characterizing it as the “darkest day in the history of Parliament.”
RJD MP Manoj Jha expressed his sadness over the communal slur used by the BJP MP in Parliament, underscoring the gravity of the situation.