‘Hindus Tolerant But Not Weak’: Devendra Fadnavis On Waris Pathan’s Remarks

Former Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Saturday slammed AIMIM leader Waris Pathan’s statement that 15 crore Muslims would be more than a match for 100 crore Hindus. Seeking an apology from Pathan, the BJP leader said that the Hindu society is tolerant but not weak. “We condemn the statement made by Waris Pathan and demand an apology. In case he does not apologise, the state government must take action against him," he said.

Devendra Fadnavis said Pathan should understand that minorities were safe and enjoyed full freedom in India because 100 crore Hindus live in the country.

Pathan has been widely condemned for reportedly stating that "15 crore hain lekin 100 crore pe bhari hain".

He purportedly made these comments while addressing an anti-Citizenship Amendment Act rally in Kalaburagi in north Karnataka on February 16. The AIMIM leader has claimed he was quoted out of context.

On Friday, the BJP alleged that AIMIM leader Waris Pathan's controversial remarks shows the conspiracy going on in the name of anti-CAA protest and questioned the "silence of liberals" opposing the law.

Addressing a press conference at the BJP office here, party spokesperson Sambit Patra said Pathan's remarks shows the conspiracy going on in the name of protest against the CAA. "I want to ask all the so-called liberals, who have been opposing CAA, why are they silent on his remarks," Patra asked.

It also vindicates that ladies who are sitting in Shaheen Bagh are just being used as a shield to further the cause of hatred, Patra added.

Maharashtra Minister Balasaheb Thorat said the AIMIM was the "B team" of the BJP. "AIMIM is the B team of BJP and they are making such statements as they have been unable to divide society on CAA and NRC," Thorat said.

The Mumbai South unit of the BJP on Friday staged a protest in Byculla in the metropolis against AIMIM leader. The BJP protest march from Byculla railway station to the local police station was led by the party’s south Mumbai chief Sharad Chintankar and Colaba MLA Rahul Narvekar. Chintankar said the party submitted a memorandum to the police demanding registration of an FIR against Pathan.

(With PTI inputs)