Prophet row: Respecting all religions is BJP's priority, says UP's Minority Minister
New Delhi, June 12: Amid the ongoing protest over the controversial remarks on Prophet Muhammad by suspended BJP leader Nupur Sharma, Uttar Pradesh Minister of Minority Affairs Danish Azad on Sunday stated that the party's action clarified that respecting all religions is its priority and further urged people to maintain law and order.
Speaking to the media, Danish Azad stated, "Our party and our government believe in unity and respect of all religions. They are going to work together with all parties. We believe in 'Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikaas'. Whatever was said, our party took a stand and clarified that respecting all religions is our priority. We all should also cooperate in maintaining law and order."
The way BJP took action against the controversy, clearly gave out a loud and clear message that the party believes in development and that any attempt to divide people will not be tolerated, he added. The BJP leader went on to say that "it is also our responsibility to ensure law and order are maintained. If there is any issue, we should present it in a matured manner and take our country forward."
"Our party took stock of the situation and cleared that we respect all religions and it is also our duty that we all maintain peace and law and order. We should talk about peace. If there is any problem, then sit together and solve them", he said.
Further giving details about the Qaumi Chaupal program, the BJP minister said, "With the Qaumi Chaupal, the government is reaching out to the minorities and also extending the benefits of the important schemes introduced for them. The main motive behind initiating this outreach programme is to advertise the schemes rolled out for the minorities and also extend their benefits on the ground level."
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He also added that there are many schemes which have been rolled out for the minorities, however, they are not aware of them, and this outreach programme aims to apprise them about the schemes.
Meanwhile, protests erupted in Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, Jharkhand and West Bengal over the controversial remarks on Prophet Muhammad made by Nupur Sharma and Naveen Kumar Jindal.
According to the reports, a massive protest broke out at Delhi's Jama Masjid which was later brought under control after the police removed protestors from the protest site.
Many incidents of violence including sloganeering and stone-pelting have also been witnessed in several parts of Uttar Pradesh after Friday prayers when people began protesting against the inflammatory statements.
Notably, a controversy erupted after BJP's Nupur Sharma made controversial remarks against the minorities. Some Gulf countries also lodged their protest against the incident.
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-PTC News
