BJP's controversial figure Raja Singh booked in Hyderabad: Here's what you need to know

Raja Singh (FB page)

New Delhi: An FIR has been logged against controversial BJP MLA from Hyderabad who kicked up a row with his remarks that the heads of "traitors" opposing construction of Ram temple in Ayodhya will be chopped off. His remarks have given rise to a storm drawing criticism from rival parties in the state who believe he is "outraging religious feelings". He joined the BJP in April, 2013.  Earlier he was Telugu Desam Party (TDP) corporator from Manghalhat and a known critic of the All India Majlis-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM) T Raja Singh, who represents Goshamahal constituency, in Hyderabad has in the past made similar statements that have been inflammatory in nature and due to his alleged anti-Muslim speeches in the last few years.He shot to fame in the by lanes of Hyderabad when he took the Owaisi brothers head on. In December 2013 Akbaruddin Owaisi was arrested, for making derogatory statements against the Hindu religion and since then Singh has tried to challenge them. Many a times he has addressed rallies in the Old city, Charminar locality where the AIMIM is in dominance. Singh, who generally speaks in Hindi in the southern city,  has never missed a chance to call the Owaisi as anti-nationals and polarize the atmosphere. Last year, he questioned the Shadi Mubarak scheme, which provides funds for marriage of poor Muslims. The scheme gives overseas education loans for Muslims, and extends prize money for Muslim sportspersons. Singh has a number of times demanded that the recognition of Asauddin Owaisi-led AIMIM be cancelled. Not just politicians, he also targetted Saif Ali Khan and Kareena Kapoor Khan for naming their son Taimur. Picture from Raja Singh's official Facebook page. FIR LODGED On the basis of a complaint of Amjed Ullah Khan, the spokesman for Majlis Bachao Tehreek (MBT), a local organisation of Muslims. Singh was booked by Dabeerpura police under IPC section 295A (deliberate and malicious acts intended to outrage religious feelings of any class by insulting its religion or religious beliefs), In his complaint, Khan said, "When the title dispute is pending in the Supreme Court, such type of statements by Raja Singh (MLA) is the violation of the apex court. I request to take appropriate action against the BJP MLA Raja Singh to ensure smooth law and order in Hyderabsd (sic)." WHAT DID RAJA EXACTLY SAY   In the video, the MLA was heard saying: "Nobody has the guts to stop construction of Ram temple in Ayodhya. A grand Ram Mandir will be definitely built in Ayodhya. I challenge that whosoever tries to stop building a Ram Mandir in Ayodhya, I will deal with such traitor." "The day is not far when the dream of every Hindu of building a Ram temple in Ayodhya (will be fulfilled). "Recently, a video came on WhatsApp from Uttar Pradesh and someone was saying if Ram Mandir is built in Ayodhya they will create 'tehelka' (chaos) in entire country. We welcome this. In fact, we were waiting for this day for the past several years so that when you traitors raise your heads, we will behead you," the MLA said. DEFINAT RAJA When contacted by newsagency PTI, Singh appeared defiant and said he can donate his life for the sake of Ram temple and "even take the life of traitors who oppose the building of Ram temple." "We will not allow the people who believe in destroying this nation to stay in this country. It is our pledge to build a Ram temple in Ayodhya and we will abide by it. We can give our life for Ram temple and even take the life of traitors who oppose Ram temple in Ayodhya," he told.   CONGRESS SLAMS BJP Amid the row, the Congress hit out at the BJP, saying its "mask" has fallen off and that minorities were being "intimidated" under the Modi government. The BJP, however, sought to douse the controversy, saying the Ram temple can be built only with consensus. Party leader Shaina NC said Prime Minister Narendra Modi has made it clear that there is no space in a free and elected democratic society for people who choose to be the so-called moral custodians. She said action could be taken against the MLA, if required. "We are a disciplined cadre, and if we feel there is need to pull up somebody, I am sure the person concerned will have to bear the brunt," she said. However, the Congress was unimpressed, with its spokesperson Sanjay Jha contending that the BJP cannot wash off its hands by calling those making inflammatory statements fringe elements. "The truth is that there is no fringe anymore. Theseare mainstream elected BJP leaders either in parliament or the assembly.... This is a political strategy. This is a manifestation of the most ugliest form of politics. "What is happening in Alwar? what happened in Dadri? you can see the kind of reactions happening all over the place where the BJP is currently in government, there is intimidation of the minorities. "I think this is the most crude form of majoritarian politics, and let me assure you, the PM will not say a word, not even condemn it," he added. He was referring to the lynching of a Muslim man on suspicion that he had stored beef in Dadri, Uttar Pradesh, in 2015, and the recent fatal attack on another man from the community by cow vigilantes in Rajasthan. The Supreme Court, which is hearing the Ayodhya case, had recently said that the issue should be resolved through talks. (With PTI inputs)