Digvijaya Singh breaks silence on sharing stage with Zakir Naik

Digvijaya Singh came under attack after a video of him surfaced dubbing the Naik a "messenger of peace" in 2012 and also sharing the stage with him. Photo: YouTube

NEW DELHI: Senior Congress leader Digvijaya Singh on Thursday admitted he had shared stage with controversial Islamic preacher Zakir Naik in a conference organised by his now-banned organisation Islamic Research Foundation. "Yes I did meet and address a Communal Harmony International Conference organised and addressed by Zakir Naik also in Mumbai," he said.

Yes I did meet and address a Communal Harmony International Conference organised and addressed by Zakir Naik also in Mumbai.

— digvijaya singh (@digvijaya_28) June 1, 2017

However, the former MP chief minister said permission of the state governmnet was taken for organizing the event. "Conference was held after due permissions by Govt of Maharashtra and there was no criminal case against Zakir Naik at least to my knowledge," he tweeted.

Conference was held after due permissions by Govt of Maharashtra and there was no criminal case against Zakir Naik at least to my knowledge — digvijaya singh (@digvijaya_28) June 1, 2017

"Obviously Govt of Maharashtra would have the video recording of speeches by Zakir Naik and myself in that Conference," he said in a series of tweet.

Obviously Govt of Maharashtra would have the video recording of speeches by Zakir Naik and myself in that Conference.

— digvijaya singh (@digvijaya_28) June 1, 2017

The leader said he is ready to face any trial if he had violated any law by attending the conference. "If I have violated any Law, Govt of Maharashtra or GOI is free to register a case against me and I am prepared to face any Trial," he said.

If I have violated any Law, Govt of Maharashtra or GOI is free to register a case against me and I am prepared to face any Trial. — digvijaya singh (@digvijaya_28) June 1, 2017

He also questioned "inflammatory speeches" of Hindu Yuva Vahini, Bajrang Dal and VHP leaders. "But I would like to ask all those who are extremely sensitive of what Zakir Naik speaks? Have they heard inflammatory speeches by Yogi /Hindu Vahini /VHP/Bajrang Dal Leaders against Muslims and Christians?, he said. "Would any action be taken against all such elements making Hate speeches and inciting violence ? Obviously not. Why?, the leader asked.

But I would like to ask all those who are extremely sensitive of what Zakir Naik speaks

— digvijaya singh (@digvijaya_28) June 1, 2017

Because if they don't divide India on Religion ground who would vote for them ? — digvijaya singh (@digvijaya_28) June 1, 2017

Digvijaya Singh came under attack after a video of him surfaced dubbing the Naik a "messenger of peace" in 2012 and also sharing the stage with him.