BJP Removed 2 Spokespersons After Gulf Countries Condemned Derogatory Remarks Against Prophet Muhammad

After a national debate on a news channel irked international controversy, Bharatiya Janata Party removed its two spokespersons including Nupur Sharma and Naveen Jindal.

BJP spokesperson received global backlash for controversial remarks against Prophet Muhammad. Another BJP spokesperson Naveen Jindal also courted controversy after his tweet referring to Prophet Muhammad. Their statements also led to protests in Kanpur and violence. Over 39 persons, including cops, were injured during the violence. Multiple FIRs have been filed.

Saudi Arabia has also joined Kuwait, Qatar and Iran in condemning BJP spokesperson Nupur Sharma’s insulting remarks against Prophet Muhammad. Its foreign ministry led by Prince Faisal Bin Farhan Al-Saud has issued a statement of condemnation against the remarks and has called for respect of beliefs and religions.

Riyadh has also joined the chorus to condemn the remarks. Pakistan has also condemned the remarks on social media.

“Have said it repeatedly India under Modi is trampling religious freedoms & persecuting Muslims… World should take note & severely reprimand India,” tweeted Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif.

Qatar has demanded a public apology while India’s Vice-President Venkaiah Naidu was visiting the wealthy gulf state for trade discussions.

The foreign ministry handed over a protest letter to the Indian envoy in Doha, Deepak Mittal which stated, “Qatar is expecting a public apology and immediate condemnation of these remarks from the government of India.”

The letter added, “Allowing such Islamophobic remarks to continue without punishment constitutes a grave danger to the protection of human rights and will create a cycle of violence and hate.”

To which Indian government conveyed the message that BJP has suspended both the ministers.

“Ambassador conveyed that 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, Government of India accords the highest respect to all religions.

Strong action has already been taken against those who made derogatory remarks.

A statement has also been issued by concerned quarters emphasizing respect for all religions, denouncing insult to any religious personality or demeaning any religion or sect.

Vested interests that are against India – Qatar relations have been inciting the people using these derogatory comments.

We should work together against such mischievous elements who aim to undercut the strength of our bilateral ties.”

The majority of the gulf countries condemned the BJP and its remarks against Prophet Muhammad. Many countries have summoned Indian envoys to take strict action against the persons who gave derogatory remarks. A social media campaign with the hashtag #boycottindianproducts was also launched in those countries.

As per reports, superstores in Kuwait and Bahrain removed Indian products from their selves. Pictures of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi pasted on garbage bin in Kuwait has also got viral over the internet.

 

40 percent of India’s gas requirements are met from Qatar. Reportedly, Indians are the largest expatriate population in many of the Gulf nations as the official data shows that nearly 6.5 million Indians live there.

India depends on these countries for crude oil and gas. As per the Indian Embassy in Saudi Arabia, the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) which includes Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and UAE, has tremendous significance for India. The Council is headquartered in Riyadh.