'No Place For Extremism,': Tejashwi Yadav Slams JDU Leader For 'Karbala' Remarks

Bihar Dy CM Tejashwi Yadav slammed Rasool Balyavi, who sparked controversy with his remark that Muslims will turn cities into "Karbala" and said that there is no place for "extremism" in the state.

Bihar Deputy Chief Minister Tejashwi Yadav. ( Image Source :ANI )

New Delhi: Days after Former Rajya Sabha MP Gulam Rasool Balyavi sparked a political row with his remark that Muslims will turn cities into Karbala if there are comments made against Prophet Muhammad, Bihar Deputy Chief Minister Tejashwi Yadav on Saturday said that there is no place for "extremism" in the state, as reported by the news agency ANI. On being asked about Balyavi’s remarks, Tejashwi said, "There is no place for extremism here." Balyavi a member of the chief minister Nitish Kumar's Janata Dal (United) made the remarks while addressing a gathering in Jharkhand's Hazaribagh on Thursday.

Meanwhile, JD(U) leader Mrityunjay Tiwari also has said that the party will probe the matter and will take necessary action. He pointed out that "politicians should ensure that they are not spreading linguistic terror, further they should make limited comments only."

"We believe in harmony and brotherhood only, but if someone else tries to spread hatred in the society, the authorities must take note of this," as quoted by ANI. He also said that as deputy chief minister Tejashwi Yadav has said, "we should discuss important issues rather than discussing useless matters. No religion or society will ever support such statements."

Speaking to ANI today, Balyavi said "I admit that I said we will turn (cities) into Karbala and I stand by it. Karbala is to give away everything, and sacrifice everything, but not let humanity and brotherhood be sacrificed." A purported video of Balyavi's speech at the Karbala Maidan in Barhi block of Jharkhand's Hazaribagh yesterday in which he said that Muslims will turn cities into Karbala has gone viral on social media, as reported by ANI.

"We are in Karbala ground...if you disrespect our Prophet, we will turn cities into Karbala ("Har shehar ko Karbala bana denge...)" Balyavi can be heard saying.

During his speech in Jharkhand, in an apparent reference to the now suspended Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) spokesperson Nupur Sharma's comments over the Prophet which led to a controversy and triggered violent protests, the JD(U) leader said, "not a single so-called secular leader demanded the arrest of this crazy woman".

Balyavi also demanded a 'Muslim Safety Act' just like the one for Dalits to protect the Muslim youth from being "labelled as terrorists" or being "shot dead."

"At this time, in the country, our children are being picked up and kept behind bars for 18 to 20 years after being labelled as terrorists. If our children go out to protest, they are shot at. Muslim safety act should be brought in for the protection of Muslims' rights," Balyavi told ANI.

The JD(U) MLC's comments drew sharp remarks from opposition parties. Reacting to Balyavi’s remarks, Union Minister Giriraj Singh launched a scathing attack on Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar saying Bihar chief minister and JD(U) leader wanted to retain power and chose to remain oblivious of what his party men were up to.

"This is the new India where the son of a village labourer has reached here. Nitish Kumar is the helpless Chief Minister of Bihar. He is sitting like Dhritarashtra for power and trying to increase social tension in Bihar," the union minister said, as quoted by ANI.