In a reply to TMC MP Jawhar Sircar’s ‘brand of secularism’ jibe, Union Minority Affairs Minister Smriti Irani asked if Parsis and Sikhs were Indians.
In a reply to Trinamool Congress (TIMC) MP Jawhar Sircar’s ‘brand of secularism’ jibe, Union Minority Affairs Minister Smriti Irani asked if Parsis and Sikhs were Indians.
We serve all, appease none. When I sit in the ministry, I serve India, not communities,” said Irani.
Irani took charge as the Union Minority Affairs minister five days ago after Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi resigned from the cabinet.
Referring to this, Sircar took to Twitter and wrote, “Smriti Irani assigned charge of Ministry of Minority Affairs after Naqvi resigns. Hardcore Hindu, married to a Parsi given charge of Muslims, Christians. Is this BJP’s brand of secularism
Earlier in the day, Irani, who is on a two-day Bengal visit, participated in a rally in Howrah district as a part of Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav and visited a temple of Goddess Kali.
On the criticism of the BJP-led Centre over the national emblem cast atop the new Parliament building, Irani said such remarks were not unexpected from the ones who can’t respect Maa Kali.
“Nothing on the Ashok Lion emblem was changed,” the Union minister said.
On Mamata Banerjee calling out for “jihad” against the saffron party at a public gathering in Asansol a few days ago, the Union minister said, “Ones who played with blood after elections and killed our karyakartas, call for Jihad against BJP workers
It’s shameful that it is being done by the elected head of a state,” she said.
“Jihad from her mouth and Goddess Kali being insulted by her MP tells you what Mamata Banerjee believes in,” she added.
In a video of her public address at Asansol a few days ago, Mamata Banerjee, could be heard saying in Bangla, “July 21 is near and you know it is Shaheed Dibas. It is a day to declare ‘jihad’ against the BJP.
