New Delhi: The BJP today suspended party spokespersons Nupur Sharma, Naveen Kumar from primary membership, party sources said. The decision has been taken to defuse a row over controversial comments allegedly made by its spokesperson against Prophet Mohammed.
The party asserted that it respects all religions and strongly denounces insult of any religious personality.
Party general secretary Arun Singh said in a statement that the party is strongly against any ideology which insults or demeans any sect or religion. The BJP does not promote such people or philosophy, he said.
Nupur Sharma's remarks have drawn protests from Muslim groups.
Singh said, "During the thousands of years of history of India every religion has blossomed and flourished. The Bharatiya Janata Party respects all religions. The BJP strongly denounces insult of any religious personalities of any religion."
Notably, several cases have been registered against Sharma for allegedly making objectionable remarks against Prophet Muhammad during a television news debate on the Gyanvapi issue. Violence also erupted in Kanpur on Friday as mobs resorted to stone-pelting over alleged insulted remarks by the BJP spokesperson.
“As India celebrates 75th year of its Independence, we are committed to making India a great country where all are equal and everyone lives with dignity, where all are committed to India’s unity and integrity, where all enjoy the fruits of growth and development,” added Arun Singh.
Complaints alleged that Sharma had used “abusive, false and hurtful words against the Prophet and religion of Islam and hurt the feelings of Muslims” and sought immediate action.
Sharma though alleged that she has been receiving death and rape threats on social media after a “so-called fact-checker” circulated a “heavily edited video” from the debate.
“Ever since I’ve been receiving death and rape threats, including beheading threats against me and family members,” Nupur Sharma was quoted as saying.