Hyderabad: An interview clip featuring Goshamahal MLA and former Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader T Raja Singh has caused a massive uproar from the Muslim community, where the leader is seen making objectionable comments about Muslim women and challenging men to fight him face-to-face instead of over the phone. His comments resulted in an FIR being filed at Mehdipatnam police station and triggered protests across Telangana.
A protest was held at Natraj Nagar locality of Tappachabutra on Friday, June 5, where around a dozen people were seen parading the streets while carrying posters and raising slogans demanding the MLA’s arrest. Several police officers were also seen escorting the protestors.
Another protest was held by the Muslim Development Committee in front of Ek-Minar Masjid in Laxmibai Kunta, Jangaon district, after Friday prayers.
Scores of people participated in the protest, holding placards reading “Arrest Raja Singh”. They demanded an immediate apology from the MLA and asked authorities to take appropriate measures to ensure such incidents don’t repeat in the future.
A petition was also later submitted to the Station House Officer of Jangaon Police Station.
Raja Singh’s comments
In an interview clip that has recently surfaced on the internet, Raja Singh was asked what he thinks about the daily challenges he receives from people on social media.
In response, the MLA said he was used to receiving challenges and threats over the phone and dared Muslims to “fight face to face”.
“Kabhi koi Pakistan se mera sala phone kar deta hai kabhi Saudi se kabhi Dubai se. Mujhe pyaar karne wale bohoth hai, har musalman chahta hai ke hum Raja Singh ko apni behen de de aur apna jija bana le.”
(I get plenty of calls from my brothers-in-law in Pakistan, Dubai and Saudi. There are a lot of people who love me and wish to give me their sisters and make me their brother-in-law.)
“They don’t dare to fight me face-to-face. If anyone is a true Muslim they should fight me in person…. it’s been a very long time since I’ve fought as well. Since I’ve joined politics, I’ve stopped fighting, otherwise I used to strike first and talk later.” the MLA said.
Case booked
Salman Khan, a resident of Hyderabad, had submitted a complaint on Thursday, June 4, alleging that Raja Singh’s statements have hurt religious sentiments and could disturb communal harmony.
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