Union Minister of Textiles, Giriraj Singh, has ignited a significant political controversy after stating he does not want the votes of “namak haraams” (betrayers), a term he used to describe a minority community who he claims benefit from government schemes but do not vote for his party.
The BJP MP from Begusarai made the scathing remarks on Saturday while addressing a public rally in Bihar’s Arwal district.
Mr. Singh detailed an exchange he had with a Muslim cleric (Maulvi) to support his claim, stating:
- He asked the cleric if he had an Ayushman Bharat health card, to which the cleric affirmed.
- The cleric confirmed that government welfare schemes were distributed without bias, regardless of religion.
- However, when pressed to swear on God that he had voted for the BJP, the cleric allegedly refused.
“Muslims take the benefits of all central schemes but don’t vote for us… Such people are called ‘namak haraam’,” the Union Minister asserted. He went on to question what “fault” he had committed since neither he nor Prime Minister Narendra Modi had insulted the cleric.
Singh further argued that the NDA government has worked for the overall development of the state, including massive infrastructure projects, and that roads “have been built in Bihar not only for NDA leaders and workers but for the masses,” yet the Muslim community, he claimed, still does not vote for the BJP.
Opposition Reacts Sharply
The remarks drew immediate and sharp criticism from the Opposition.
Mrityunjay Tiwary, spokesperson for the RJD state unit, slammed the Union Minister, emphasising that the BJP consistently falls back on communal rhetoric to distract from critical issues.
“It’s a well-known fact that BJP leaders can’t say anything except Hindu-Muslim. They can’t talk about growing unemployment, price hike, better education and medical facilities… whenever you talk to them about development, they start discussions on Hindu-Muslim issues and try their best to divert the attention of people from core issues.”
The controversy erupts just weeks before the state is set to head to the polls. The 243-member Bihar Assembly elections will be held in two phases on November 6 and 11, with results scheduled for November 14.
Also Read: Rahul Gandhi Yatra Crowds In Bihar Make BJP To Rethink…https://www.vibesofindia.com/rahul-gandhi-yatra-crowds-in-bihar-make-bjp-to-rethink/
