New Delhi: Amid reports of violent protests across the country over the controversial remarks on Prophet Mohammad by now suspended BJP spokesperson Nupur Sharma, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Saturday said “hate and unrest is not our way.” Talking about Mahatma Gandhi’s ideals that promotes peace and non-violence, the former Congress chief said it is the responsibility of all the people to maintain unity and mutual goodwill.
Taking to his Twitter handle, he wrote in Hindi, “Bapu's ideals are the foundation of independent India. Our country has always set an example of truth, non-violence and brotherhood in front of the world. Hate and unrest is not our way."
He further added, “It is the responsibility of all the countrymen to unite India and maintain mutual goodwill.”
According to reports, massive protests erupted in several parts of the country on Friday in the wake of the controversial remarks on the Prophet by two now-suspended Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) functionaries, leaving a few police personnel injured in stone pelting. The police were forced to resort to lathicharge, tear-gas shelling and firing in the air to control the agitating crowd at some places.
Notably, the suspended BJP spokesperson has drawn massive flak after allegedly making inflammatory remarks on Prophet Muhammad during a TV news debate.
Sharma’s comments triggered outrage and protests among the public at home and in a host of Islamic nations such as Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Qatar and Iran.
The BJP has suspended Nupur Sharma and Naveen Jindal from the party’s primary membership.