Hyderabad: BJP suspends MLA Raja Singh for 'abusing' Prophet Muhammad
The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Tuesday suspended Hyderabad MLA T Raja Singh for his alleged abusive comments against Prophet Muhammad hours after he was arrested by the Telangana Police. The arrest took place after a long night of protests. Goshamahal MLA Singh—known for often making lewd remarks—reportedly released a video on Monday night in which he allegedly made derogatory remarks against the Prophet.
Why does this story matter?
Last week, the BJP MLA was temporarily detained by the Telangana Police for attempting to disrupt a show by standup comedian Munawar Faruqui. Singh has been a critic of the comedian for his alleged jokes against Hindu gods and goddesses. Notably, former BJP spokesperson Nupur Sharma also made allegedly blasphemous comments against the Prophet earlier this year, which triggered protests and drew immense backlash.
BJP suspends Hyderabad MLA
After national outrage against Singh's statements, the BJP on Tuesday afternoon issued a suspension letter to the leader. The party's Central Disciplinary Committee said that Singh expressed views contrary to the party and violated its constitution. "Please also show cause within 10 days from the date of this notice as to why should you not be expelled from the party (sic)," the letter said.
Overnight protests against BJP MLA
MLA Singh was booked under various sections of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) related to insulting religious beliefs. In the said video, Singh abused comedian Faruqui, calling it "comedy," and made derogatory remarks about the Prophet. He also said that a 53-year-old man married a six-year-old girl (referring to the Prophet). Scores of Hyderabad residents then came onto the streets to demand his arrest.
Watch: Telangana Police at Singh's home
'I did not name a community'
According to officials, Singh was apprehended after the Telangana Police received several complaints against him. The MLA, however, claimed that his video was only aimed at Faruqui, and he did not name any community. The Hyderabad Police Commissioner's Task Force nabbed Singh from his residence. Officials will also be taking down Singh's video, which allegedly hurt the sentiments of Muslims, reported The Indian Express.
Watch: Overnight protests against Singh's comments
Protests erupt in Hyderabad; BJP distances itself from comments
Protests broke out across Hyderabad after Singh's video was widely shared online. Several Muslim organizations gathered at the Hyderabad Police Commissioner's office, the Director General of Police's office, and the old commissioner's office in the city, and many protesters were taken into custody. The BJP had distanced itself from the comments saying they don't support Singh's statements or hate speech.
Watch: What did Raja Singh say?
Vocal critic of the comedian
The Goshamahal MLA has been a vocal critic of Faruqui, who performed a show in Hyderabad last week. After repeatedly threatening to "set fire to the venue," Singh arrived there on Friday with 50 supporters but was taken into preventive custody by the police. However, his "blasphemous" comments against Prophet Muhammad have triggered a high alert among security personnel in Telangana.
