Muslim community strongly criticizes the unruly behaviour of Shiv Sena MP at Maharashtra Sadan.
Opposition parties and people belonging to Muslim community have strongly condemned Shiv Sena MP’s for forcibly asking a fasting Muslim supervisor to eat chapati at Maharashra Sadan in New Delhi last week. They demanded stringent action against MPs for attacking the faith of other communities. There was huge uproar in Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha as both the houses were adjourned for brief period. A fact-finding committee comprising GGM (DCS) and GGM (HRD) has been constituted to probe the incident. The committee will submit its report in three days.
When AV spoke to eminent persons from the Muslim community they demanded that the MP’s must tender an apology for this act.
A week ago, around 11 Shiv Sena MPs had visited the Maharashtra Sadan and were reportedly angry over not being served Maharashtrian food. In a video footage, Shiv Sena Thane constituency MP Rajan Vichare was seen forcing the catering man named as ‘Arshad Zubair’ to have food saying that food quality was not good. The incident took place when a group of around 15 MPs were discussing complaints about the lack of services at the Sadan.
Dr. Azimuddin, President of Movement for Human Welfare said, “Some misunderstanding might have happened. If this incident has really occurred then it’s really unjustified.”
Sarkar Hussain (Bachchan Rizvi), Congress leader from Mira Road, said, “It was a really a shameful act. If Shiv Sena MPs were having any issue pertaining to food they should have complained with the concerned PRO. Why did they force Arshad break his roza?”
Amin Solkar, Criminal Lawyer said, “The constitution of India has granted right to every citizen to follow any religion. MP’s have got elected recently and they should have behaved responsibly as they are people’s representatives.”
IRCTC which is providing catering service complained in writing to the Maharashtra Resident Commissioner, saying the employee had been “deeply pained and hurt as his religious sentiments are attached.
The 11 Shiv Sena MPs named in the letter are – Rajan Vichare (Thane), Sanjay Raut (Rajya Sabha), Anandrao Adsul (Amravati), Arvind Sawant (Mumbai-South), Hemant Godse (Nashik), Krupal Tumane (Ramtek), Ravindra Gaikwad (Osmanabad), Vinayak Raut (Ratnagiri-Sindhudurg), Shivaji Adhalrao Patil (Shirur), Rahul Shewale (Mumbai-South Central) and Shrikant Shinde (Kalyan).
Afzal Khatri, an environmentalist said, “It was an unparliamentary behaviour on the part of Shiv Sena MPs. Such kind of incidents will result into communal tension. However, Hindu-Muslims are united hence there is no need to create an uproar over it.”
Meeraj Khan, a resident from Kandivali said, “Forcing a man to break his roza is a sin as religious sentiments of Muslims has been hurt. Strict action needs to be taken against the Shiv Sena leader who is responsible for this act.”
Aksar Qureshi, a student from Ismail Yusuf College said, “It is merely a political gimmick by the Shiv Sena to garner publicity. Shiv Sainiks should tender an apology for this act.”
Abu Azim Azmi, Samajwadi Party leader said, “Shiv Sena always is known for indulging in such heinous act. Uddhav Thackeray should hold a training camp for creating awareness among his party workers about how to behave in public. Strict action should be taken against these MPs.”
Congress MLA Baba Siddiqui said, “Shiv Sena is known for hooliganism. They do it intentionally for gaining publicity.”
Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) leader Majid Memon a noted criminal lawyer said “A probe must be ordered into this issue for ascertaining the truth. It’s a really serious matter.”
Defending himself Shiv Sena MP Rajan Vichare said, “I apologise if I have hurt religious sentiments of Muslim community. I was trying to highlight the quality of food served in Maharashtra Sadan. I was unaware that the caterer was a Muslim. The person in question was wearing civil dress and he was not wearing badge.”
Shiv Sena MP Sanjay Raut said, “All the allegations made against our party workers are baseless. People who are giving a religious angle to this issue should be taught a lesson.”
Meanwhile, Shiv Sena party chief Uddhav Thackeray said,” There was no intention to hurt religious sentiments and it is an attempt to suppress our voice”,
