Giriraj Singh's terror tone puts BJP on defensive

PATNA: After lying low for a while following his remark that those opposed to Narendra Modi should go to Pakistan, BJP leader Giriraj Singh is back at it: this time, he has questioned why all those arrested on charges of terrorism are from one particular community. Singh also asserted that some people with pro-Pakistani leanings wanted to stop Modi, a view that drew sharp reaction from political parties.

When contacted by ET, Singh said that he didn’t say anything which should be construed as a hate speech. “Is it not a fact that some people are trying to prevent Modi from becoming PM? They are the same people who have a favourable mindset towards terrorists and Pakistan. Is it not true that terrorism in the country is sponsored by Pakistan?” Singh said.

But the BJP leadership wasn’t amused by his rantings. “Such statements are totally uncalled for. BJP dissociates itself from such highly irresponsible remarks. Terrorists don’t have any caste or religion,” said senior BJP leader Sushil Kumar Modi when ET sought his reaction on Singh’s remarks.

Singh, who contested on a BJP ticket from the Nawada Lok Sabha seat, even questioned NC leader Farooq Abdullah, who had said that those who voted for Modi should drown themselves in the sea, adding that too much was made out of his remarks.

The BJP leadership had earlier snubbed Singh for his hate speech which he delivered bang in the middle of election campaigning. He was even booked by the law enforcing agencies for which he had to seek anticipatory bail from the court. The EC even enforced a ban on his participation in poll meetings.