Khattar should be firmly told to ‘hush up’, says Shahid Siddiqui

“Describing the Dadri incident as a “result of a misunderstanding”, the veteran leader who has been associated with the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) for over 40 years, said”, It should not have happened – from both sides.

Mumbai: After Haryana Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar’s reported remarks on beef and Muslims triggered an outrage, the NCP today appealed to President Pranab Mukherjee to intervene in the matter and ensure his ouster.

The consumption of beef has become a contentious issue under the government of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, with several individuals affiliated with the BJP justifying and defending the growing intolerance of beef consumption. Khattar claimed he did not make any statement which would hurt anyone’s sentiments and his words were distorted. “I am told that Kattar ji has withdrawn his statement”, Surjewala told ANI. He later denied the charge saying his statement was distorted and he was ready to express regret if he had hurt the sentiment of people.

Khattar in an interview to “The Indian Express” maintained that the cow is an article of faith in India, thus Muslims should stop eating beef.

“We have registered a second case against yet unidentified persons for murder”, Sambasivan said, referring to an earlier case registered against the smugglers for animal cruelty. Now, referring to the statement, Khattar said, “My words are twisted, if the people feel that I spoke any wrong, I do not mind to regret”.

“This is not the BJP’s position. Now that he has made such statements, obviously the Muslims will react to it”, Yadav told reporters. He is the elected chief minister of Haryana and has sworn on the constitution.

Congress legislature party leader Kiran Choudhry, leader of Opposition on INLD Abhay Singh Chautala and former minister Sampat Singh also criticized Khattar for his utterances. “But what is the central government’s relation with these incidents”.

Naidu had de-linked the BJP from Khattar without questioning the interview.