Bihar minister apologizes for chanting 'Jai Shri Ram' after fatwa was issued

Alam apologized to the people of Bihar in a meeting of minority community called by Chief Minister Nitish Kumar.

NEW DELHI: Bihar minister Khurshid Alam, who chanted 'Jai Sree Ram' during trust vote in state Assembly, has apologized following protests by minority community against him. Alam apologized to the people in a meeting of minority community called by Chief Minister Nitish Kumar. Alam had stated that he will not step back to chant 'Jai Shri Ram' for the people of Bihar, development and harmony. A 'fatwa' has been issued against Khurshid and he was also asked to recite the Islamic 'creed' again. Alam had said he respects the fatwa issuing authority but it should have asked his intentions before issuing the ruling. "God is one and there is no harm in saying 'Jai Shri Ram'," Alam, Bihar's minority affairs minister, had earlier said. He had said that he will continue saying ‘Jai Shri Ram’ for the people of Bihar and for the development and harmony in the state.

Alam had asserted that his religion cannot be questioned based on the phrase 'Jai Shri Ram'.

"My work would prove my identity. I am not scared about the Fatwa at all. I don't have anything to lose. I am would only be afraid, if I am unable to fulfill my responsibilities towards the public of Bihar", he said.