Case against MP for 'won't work for Yadavs, Muslims' remark
What's the story
A complaint has been lodged against Janata Dal (United) MP Devesh Chandra Thakur for alleged discriminatory remarks against certain members of the community.
Thakur on Monday stoked controversy by saying that he will not work for the Muslim and Yadav communities because they did not vote for him in the recent Lok Sabha elections.
"For any work concerning the society at large, they are welcome, but not for any personal work," he said.
Hearing date
Court hearing scheduled for JD(U) MP's discriminatory remarks
Hari Om Kumar, the lawyer for plaintiff Dilip Kumar Kushwaha, announced that the case will be heard on July 2.
He stated, "We have prayed that the accused MP be booked under IPC Sections 501 and 505 for hurting sentiments of Kushwahas, Muslims and Yadavs."
These sections refer to defamation and inciting enmity between communities respectively.
Controversial comments
Thakur's remarks draw criticism and mixed reactions
Addressing a function, Thakur, who made his Lok Sabha debut at 71, expressed disappointment over certain communities voting for his rivals.
Thakur claimed to have helped people from the two communities, but when it came to voting in elections, he said they did not vote for him because of the party's alliance with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).
"Those (from Muslim and Yadav communities) who want to come, can come, have tea and snacks...but don't expect any help," he said.
Twitter Post
Check out Thakur's remarks here
JDU MP Devesh Chandra Thakur from Bihar says he won't do any work of Yadavs and Muslims because they didn't vote for him. pic.twitter.com/m5AN2IjiTD
— Mohammed Zubair (@zoo_bear) June 18, 2024
Mixed responses
Reactions from BJP and JD(U) leaders on Thakur's remarks
In no time, the comments drew criticism not just from the rival Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) but also from his party.
On Wednesday, he retracted his statement, calling it "an emotional outburst."
"It was an emotional outburst that was reported differently. I don't need a certificate of secularism from any party. The people of Sitamarhi know how I always rose above caste and community to work for all. I have never stopped anybody from coming to my home," he said.