New Delhi: Controversy statement by Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) spokesperson Nupur Sharma on the Prophet Mohammad has reached the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC). Surrounding India, the OIC has appealed to the United Nations and human rights organizations to take necessary steps against the targeting of Muslims in India. After Qatar, Kuwait and Iran, now Pakistan and Saudi Arabia have also jumped into the fray. Calling Pakistan’s statement absurd, India has advised it to focus on the protection of minorities at home.
BJP spokesperson Nupur Sharma made controversial remarks on the Prophet Mohammad in a TV debate. His statement has caused a stir in Islamic countries. Many Arab countries objected to the remark and called Indian ambassadors to express their displeasure. However, the BJP has suspended Sharma from the party. And he said India respects all religions.
Earlier, a spokesperson for the Indian embassy in Doha, the capital of Qatar, said in a press release that the ambassador had held a meeting at the Foreign Office to express concern over some of the offensive tweets defaming religious figures in India. But the spokesperson said, “This tweet does not in any way reflect the views of the Indian government. These are thoughts of chaotic elements. On the OIC statement, External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Arindam Bagchi said, “We have seen the statements made by the organization regarding India. The government rejects the false and narrow statements of the OIC Secretariat. The Government of India gives the highest respect to all religions. He said that the opinion of the Government of India was not related to this statement or comment. The concerned organization has taken strict action against the accused.
What did the OIC say?
The OIC is an intergovernmental organization of Muslim-majority countries, with Pakistan being one of its members. India has always criticized the OIC for its comments on the country’s internal affairs, especially those related to Jammu and Kashmir. The OIC calls itself the “collective voice of the Muslim world.”
The OIC has reacted strongly to the matter by tweeting one after another on Twitter. In a tweet, the organization wrote that the OIC secretary general had sharply criticized a controversial statement made by a member of India’s ruling party about the Prophet Mohammad. The OIC said there has been an increase in violence against Muslims in India. Referring to the ban on hijab in educational institutions in many states of India and the damage to property of Muslims, the organization said that Muslims are being banned.
India’s sharp response to OIC’s remarks
External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Arindam Bagchi dismissed the OIC secretary general’s remarks. In a statement, he said, “The Government of India explicitly rejects the inappropriate and narrow-minded remarks made by the OIC Secretariat.” The Government of India gives the highest respect to all religions.
“It is unfortunate that the OIC Secretariat has once again made misleading remarks,” the Indian External Affairs Ministry said in a statement. It merely represents a divisive agenda that is driven by vested interests. We urge the OIC Secretariat to stop pursuing its sectarian approach and to give due respect to all religions.
Qatar is happy with Nupur Sharma’s suspension
The ministry welcomed the statement issued by the ruling party in India, announcing the suspension of the BJP leader. The ministry said Qatar expects a public apology from the Indian government and an immediate condemnation of the remarks. A spokesman for the Indian embassy said in a statement that “strict action has already been taken against those who made the insulting remarks.”
The Government of India gives the highest respect to all religions
“In keeping with the strong cultural traditions of unity in our cultural heritage and diversity, the Government of India has the highest respect for all religions,” the official said. The spokesperson said that those working against India-Qatar relations were using these insulting remarks to provoke the people. The two sides should work together against such scoundrels who want to undermine the strength of bilateral relations.
Venkaiah Naidu is currently on a visit to Qatar
In New Delhi, the BJP suspended its national spokesperson Nupur Sharma while Delhi media chief Naveen Kumar Jindal was expelled from the party after making controversial remarks against the Prophet. Vice President M. Venkaiah Naidu is currently on a visit to Qatar, where he met with Qatari Prime Minister and Interior Minister Sheikh Khalid bin Khalifa bin Abdul Aziz Al Sani on Sunday.