Explorer

Watch: BJP MP stirs controversy, claims Christians did not participate in freedom struggle

MUMBAI: A controversy erupted on Friday after a video clip emerged purportedly showing North Mumbai BJP MP Gopal Shetty claiming that Christians were "angrez" and did not participate in the freedom struggle. This prompted the Congress to seek an apology from the BJP for the "condemnable" comment made by its parliamentarian, while the NCP saw the remark as a "deliberate attempt to polarise people" in the run-up to the 2019 Lok Sabha polls. In the video clip, which went viral on social media and was telecast on TV channels, Shetty is heard saying: "Every person should feel that the country belongs to him/her. This country belongs to each of us". The recording is apparently from an Eid-e-Milad gathering organised by the Shia Kabrastan Committee at Malvani in suburban Malad last Sunday. Apparently referring to a Muslim cleric who spoke before him at the event, Shetty added, "Maulana sahab said Hindus did not free this country, nor did Muslims. "Christians were angrez (British), they were not part of the (freedom) struggle. Members of both the communities fought this battle together as Hindusthanis (Indians), not as Hindus or Muslims." Maharashtra Congress chief Ashok Chavan said the BJP MP's comment reflected the "despicably communal mindset" of the ruling party. "The freedom struggle is the epitome of sacrifices made by all communities, including Christians. Shetty must know that only the RSS was in support of the British," the former chief minister said. State NCP spokesperson Nawab Malik said what Shetty allegedly said was "not right". "Earlier, they would target Muslims. But they now are feeling the move is backfiring. Hence, they are trying to target Christians now to polarise people ahead of the Lok Sabha polls. This is not right," Malik added. Responding to the criticism over the remarks, Shetty said, "What I meant to say was that Christians could not participate in the freedom struggle to a great extent because India was then ruled by the British." The 64-year-old former corporator, who first became an MP in 2014, trouncing Congress' Sanjay Nirupam, said, "I don't regret making these remarks, which have been misinterpreted by the Congress." Shetty said he "offered to resign" but Maharashtra BJP president Raosaheb Danve told him not to take such a "hasty decision". "There is no reason for him (Shetty) to resign," Danve told PTI. "I am outside Mumbai. We will meet in a day or two," he added.
View More
Advertisement
Advertisement
25°C
New Delhi
Rain: 100mm
Humidity: 97%
Wind: WNW 47km/h
See Today's Weather
powered by
Accu Weather
Advertisement

Top Headlines

ICC Champions Trophy 2025 Schedule Officially Out! Check Complete List Of Fixtures Inside
ICC Champions Trophy 2025 Schedule Officially Out! Check Complete List Of Fixtures Inside
'No Irregular Pattern, Impossible To Change Turnout': ECI On Congress Allegations In Maharashtra Polls
'No Irregular Pattern, Impossible To Change Turnout': ECI On Congress Allegations In Maharashtra
Manu Bhaker Opens Up On 'Controversial' Khel Ratna Snub; Calls It Her Fault | Details Inside
Manu Bhaker Opens Up On 'Controversial' Khel Ratna Snub; Calls It Her Fault | Details Inside
A Major Conflict In Iran Amid Syria Tumult Will ‘Seriously Harm’ India’s Interests: Talmiz Ahmad
A Major Conflict In Iran Amid Syria Tumult Will ‘Seriously Harm’ India’s Interests: Talmiz Ahmad
Advertisement
ABP Premium

Videos

Manu Bhaker expresses disappointment after not being included in Khel Ratna Award listKumar Vishwas targets Shatrughan Sinha family, sparks controversy with remarks on RamayanaDelhi Govt. issues guidelines regarding illegal Bangladeshi student admissions in schoolsSambhal News: Shahi Jama Masjid survey report won't be presented today, technical revisions ongoing

Photo Gallery

Embed widget