Meerut: Infuriated at Asaduddin Owaisi’s refusal to chant ‘Bharat Mata Ki Jai’ even if a knife is put to his throat, members of the Muslim community wrote ‘Bharat Mata Ki Jai’ in blood on India’s map.
According to reports published in India.com, the incident happened on Thursday afternoon at Meerut’s Bachcha Park crossing.
Mohammad Imam along with his supporters wrote ‘Bharat Mata Ki Jai’ in blood (which was drawn out from Imam’s wrist with the help of a syringe) on India’s map printed specially for the purpose.
“Saying Bharat Mata Ki Jai is equivalent to hailing the land, women, children, sisters and soldiers of India. The remark of Owaisi is completely anti-national and is not acceptable. The posters of Owaisi have BR Ambedkar’s pictures along with him. I would like to ask Owaisi, is this what Baba Ambedkar taught him?” said Mohammad Imam.
He said that Owaisi’s defaming Islam for political mileage.
“We are Indians and saying ‘Bharat Mata Ki Jai’ is our responsibility. People like Owaisi are trying to defame Islam and derive political mileage from their remarks. His Lok Sabha membership should be cancelled with immediate effect,” demanded Haji Saeed, one of the citizens at the gathering.
Many prominent community members asserted that there’s nothing wrong with saying ‘Bharat Mata ki Jai’, , for the reason that it’s a slogan hailing one’s country and Islam doesn’t forbid its followers from expressing love for one’s motherland.
“There was no reason for Asaduddin Owaisi to respond to RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat’s comments on ‘Bharat Mata ki jai,’ says Ghulam Peshimam, a local Muslim leader to TOI.
They also allege there might be a unspoken understanding between the MIM and BJP the to keep bringing up contentious issues.