BJP MP calls BSP's Danish Ali an 'Aatankwadii' and ‘Ugrawaadi’ during an ongoing Lok Sabha session, garners the ire of the Opposition

During the discussion on the success of the Chandrayaan-3, BJP MP Ramesh Bidhuri called Bahujan Samaj Party's Muslim MP Danish Ali an 'aatankwadii' (terrorist) in the Lok Sabha on Thursday. He received a warning of "strict action” if such an activity is repeated from Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla on Friday. The BJP sent him a show-cause notice on Friday, seeking an explanation for his unparliamentary language within 15 days.

BJP's Ramesh Bidhuri was lauding Prime Minister Narendra Modi for the success of India's lunar mission when he hurled Islamophobic slurs directed towards Danish Ali. Moreover, he called him an 'ugrawaadi' (extremist) and 'aatankwadi' (terrorist). "Yeh Mulla ugrawaadi hai, yeh aatankwadi hai", (This Muslim is a militant, he is a terrorist), said the BJP MP.

In a letter addressed to the Lok Sabha Speaker, Danish Ali wrote, "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 as an elected MP”, urging the Speaker to refer the incident to the privileges committee.

"Was this special session called to attack elected MPs by linking them to their community? This has shamed the entire country. We will see whether his party will take any action against him or promote him. This is hate speech," said Danish Ali to NDTV. “This is the first time that this indecent language has been used against an elected MP. This is a threat," added the BSP MP.

Defense Minister Rajnath Singh expressed regret over Biduri's remarks. Further, he requested the chair to remove them from the proceedings if they had hurt the sentiments of any of the Opposition members. “I express regret if the opposition is hurt by the remarks made by the member," said the Defense Minister.

The incident has stoked a massive controversy and has garnered severe criticism from the Opposition, who demand Bidhuri’s suspension from the Parliament or his arrest.

Calling it the darkest day of the Parliament, the Aam Aadmi Party asked, "BJP Delhi MP is calling another Muslim MP with these words in front of the Speaker in the Parliament Is this the culture of BJP?"

“BJP MP @rameshbidhuri calling MP Danish Ali a “Bharwa” (pimp), “Katwa” (circumcised), “Mullah Atankwadi” & “Mullah Ugrawadi” ON RECORD in Lok Sabha last night. Keeper of Maryada @ombirlakota Vishwaguru @narendramodi & BJP Prez @JPNadda along with GodiMedia- any action please?” tweeted Trinamool Congress MP Mahua Moitra.

‘Saddened’ by the communal slurs hurled at Danish Ali, RJD MP Manoj Jha said, “I was saddened, but not surprised. This is the truth of PM's 'Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam'. If this is the state of language in the parliament, then imagine the kind of language that is used for Muslims and Dalits in towns, alleyways, villages, etc., and the legitimacy being given to it. Till now, the PM could not say a word on Ramesh Bidhuri."

National Conference leader Omar Abdullah highlighted the abuses that Bidhuri hurled and urged the government to take strict action. "'Bharwa' (pimp), 'Katwa' (circumcised), 'Mullah Atankwadi' (terrorist) & 'Mullah Ugrawadi' (militant). How easily expletives roll off the tongue of this hateful 'Hon' MP! Hate against Muslims has been mainstreamed like never before. How do Muslims who identify the BJP as their party coexist alongside this level of abject hatred?" said Omar Abdullah.

Condemning such hate speech in the Parliament and demanding the BJP MP’s immediate arrest, the CPI(M) issued a statement that reads, "Filthy abusive language used by BJP MP Ramesh Bidhuri against Danish Ali ( BSP) on the floor constitutes the worst kind of hate speech indicted by the Supreme Court. No MP can claim privilege for such speech. He should be arrested.”

Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla has issued a warning against Ramesh Bidhuri, stating that ‘strict action’ will be taken if such behavior is repeated. The ruling BJP government has sent a show-cause notice to their MP, seeking an explanation for his use of such unparliamentary language within 15 days.