Condemning the Pahalgam terror attack as a crime against humanity, BJP Minority Morcha national president Jamal Siddiqui on Wednesday called for Indians across religious lines to unite under the umbrella of “Sanatan Dharma”.
“Our customs and the way we worship may differ but as Indians, we were and will remain Sanatanis (followers of Sanatan Dharma). If India’s Hindus represent a tree, we Muslims are its branches. The branches can remain protected only till the tree is unharmed,” Siddiqui told The Indian Express.
Speaking about reports that the attackers singled out their targets on the basis of religion, Siddiqui stressed on the need for Indians to rally together against terrorism. “Those spreading hate in the name of religion should understand that India is one, its 140 crore brothers and sisters are one; our culture is one and so is our identity. Each Indian is a sanatani; we cannot be divided,” he added.
On allegations that the BJP practises religion-based politics, Siddiqui said those behind such statements were actually the ones who seek to divide the nation for votes. “One of the founding members of the BJP was Sikandar Bakht, a prominent Muslim face. Is the BJP dividing the country or those parties and politicians who have openly sought to create a rift between Hindus and Muslims on every issue?” he asked.
Emphasising that the BJP has and will always work towards the motto of sab ka saath, sab ka vikas with regard to politics and policies, Siddiqui urged the Opposition to rise above its “divisive narrative” and work together towards the progress of the country.