A leader of ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and MLA has made highly inflammatory remarks targeting a Muslim-majority locality in Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh, saying that a missile should be launched from Karond and dropped on Muslim-majority locality, Qazi Camp.  BJP MLA from the Huzur constituency in Madhya Pradesh, Rameshwar Sharma, has drawn widespread criticism over his remarks targeting the Muslim community in Bhopal. Madhya Pradesh is ruled by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). 

Addressing a gathering during a Matki Phod programme in the city’s Karond area, Sharma was heard saying that a missile should be launched from Karond Chauraha and dropped on Qazi Camp, a Muslim-majority locality in Bhopal.  A video of the event has gone viral on social media. In the clip, Sharma is heard saying: “Launch a missile from Karond Chauraha and drop it on Qazi Camp.” He later retracted the statement, claiming that he was referring to a Qazi Camp in Islamabad, Pakistan, rather than the locality in Bhopal.

However, the clarification has itself come under scrutiny, with questions being raised about his reference to Islamabad, as there is reportedly no locality named Qazi Camp in the Pakistani capital.  At the same gathering, Sharma made another provocative remark about the Shahi Eidgah in Mathura, saying that when the time comes, the structure would be demolished and a grand temple built in its place. In this connection, he also referred to the demolition of the Babri Masjid in Ayodhya in 1992. 

In the video, Sharma is heard saying: “Right now, the one with the flute has arrived; the day the one with the Sudarshan Chakra comes to earth, the structure of the Mathura Eidgah will be demolished and a grand temple will be built. Tell me, should a temple be built in Mathura or not?”He has also reportedly made other provocative and anti-Muslim remarks and targeted Muslim ulemas.  The video of the speech has drawn severe criticism on social media, with users demanding action against BJP leader Sharma.

Critics argued that such language could contribute to communal tensions and undermine peace and harmony.  One user on X said: “BJP MLA Rameshwar Sharma is threatening to blow up a Muslim neighborhood with a missile. These BJP MLAs now openly want to pitch Hindus against Muslims to spoil the atmosphere.”  Another user wrote: “BJP leaders hate Muslims so much that they threaten to attack them with missiles.”

Credit: Independent News Pakistan (INP)