Congress MP Shashi Tharoor on Tuesday took to Twitter to share a wordplay on the word ‘fringe’ in reference to former BJP national spokesperson Nupur Sharma's controversial comments on Prophet Muhammad.
Responding to a Twitter user who compared the words ‘fringe’ and ‘cringe’, Tharoor wrote these fringes have been on a “binge” for too long.
“Agreed! They’ve been a “binge” too long. And some of them are “unhinged “. In the process the nation has been “singed”, Tharoor tweeted.
Tharoor’s comment was in reference to the statement issued by India separating the country’s ideology from that of the two BJP leaders who made controversial statements against Prophet Muhammad.
After facing flak from nearly 15 Gulf countries, the Indian Embassy in Doha issued an official statement saying “Ambassador conveyed that the tweets do not, in any manner, reflect the views of the Government of India. These are the views of fringe elements.”
“In line with our civilisational heritage and strong cultural traditions of unity in diversity, the Government of India accords the highest respect to all religions. Strong action has already been taken against those who made the derogatory remarks,” it added.
It further said a statement has been issued by the Indian government emphasising the country’s equal respect for all religions. “Vested interests that are against India – Qatar relations have been inciting the people using these derogatory comments,” it added.
The statement issued by India clarified, "The offensive tweets and comments denigrating a religious personality were made by certain individuals. They do not, in any manner, reflect the views of the Government of India".
Meanwhile, there have been calls for arresting Nupur Sharma and Naveen Jindal as the opposition is cornering the ruling BJP to take strict action against both of them citing that a suspension and an expulsion are not enough.
On the other hand, the Delhi police, on Tuesday provided security to Nupur Sharma after she filed a complaint stating that she and her family have been receiving death threats over her comments.
Sharma had made the controversial comments nearly 10 days ago during a TV debate on the Gyanvapi mosque issue.
After her suspension, she took back her words stating that she did not intend to hurt religious sentiments. “If my words have caused discomfort or hurt religious feelings of anyone whatsoever, I hereby unconditionally withdraw my statement. It was never my intention to hurt anyone's religious feelings,” Sharma wrote on Twitter.