Stay updated with the latest - Click here to follow us on Instagram
© The Indian Express Pvt Ltd
Journalism of Courage
Premium
This is an archive article published on November 6, 2023
BJP expels Rajasthan leader Sandeep Dayma after remarks on mosques, gurdwaras kick up a row
Sandeep Dayma made the remarks at an election rally in support of party candidate Balak Nath, in the presence of Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath. Balak Nath is seen as close to the Uttar Pradesh chief minister.
Sandeep Dayma, a BJP leader in Alwar (Express File Photo)
Listen to this article
BJP expels Rajasthan leader Sandeep Dayma after remarks on mosques, gurdwaras kick up a row
x
00:00
Facing anger from the Sikh community as well as its Punjab unit, the BJP in Rajasthan Sunday expelled its leader Sandeep Dayma who had called for “uprooting” gurdwaras and mosques in Tijara Assembly constituency during an election rally there.
Dayma had made the remarks Wednesday while campaigning for BJP’s Tijara candidate and sitting Alwar MP Balak Nath. He said: “Kis tarah se itni masjiden, kis tarah se gurdware yahan par banakar chhodh diye! Ye aage chalkar hamare liye nasoor ban jayega. Isiliye hamara sabka dharam bhi banta hai ki is nasoor ko yahan se ukhad kar faink denge, aur Baba Balak Nathji ko bhari maton se jeetayenge (See how many mosques, gurdwaras have been built here! This will become an ulcer for us in the future. That is why it’s our duty that this ulcer be uprooted and thrown out, and Baba Balak Nathji win by a huge majority).”
The Election Commission had issued a notice to him.
On Sunday, the BJP sent the Alwar leader a letter, expelling him from the party’s primary membership for speaking against its ideology. The letter was signed by Onkar Singh Lakhawat, chief of the BJP’s state disciplinary committee.
On Saturday, senior leader and former Punjab CM Captain Amarinder Singh called for Dayma’s expulsion. His daughter Jai Inder Kaur, the state Mahila Morcha president, Sunday filed a police complaint against the leader in Chandigarh.
I urge the @BJP4India high command to immediately expel Sandeep Dayma from the party for his hate remarks against mosques & Gurdwaras.
His apology serves no purpose as his remarks have already caused immense hurt to well meaning people. Not only should he be expelled, but there…
— Capt.Amarinder Singh (@capt_amarinder) November 4, 2023
Punjab BJP chief Sunil Jakhar also condemned the remarks Sunday, tweeting: “State BJP Unit has recommended exploring of all options to ensure no repetition of such misconduct takes place as no apology would assuage hurt and anger caused by this insensitive remark”.
Outburst of Rajasthan leader against religious sentiments of fellow citizens cannot be condoned. I have apprised Central leadership of hurt caused to people by his reprehensible statement. State BJP Unit has recommended exploring of all options to ensure no repetition of such…
— Sunil Jakhar (@sunilkjakhar) November 5, 2023
On Thursday, Dayma issued an apology video, besides visiting a gurdwara and providing service. But he ended up inviting more flak for saying he had meant madrasas and not gurdwaras.
Inputs from ENS Chandigarh
Advertisement
Loading Recommendations...
Live Blog