‘Muslims don’t vote for me either’: Union Minister Giriraj Singh backs MP Devesh Chandra Thakur’s comments

“I see this too – mujhe bhi Musalman nahin vote deta (Muslims don’t vote for me either). Why? After availing all schemes of the state and the Centre, some sections will vote more and some less (for a party). But if Muslims have decided that we will not vote, then it’s a well thought out strategy (sochi samjhi ranneet) to weaken Sanatan and bring Ghazwa-e-Hind in Bharat. Devesh Thakur ne dil ki baat ki (he spoke from the heart).”

The RJD criticised Singh’s remarks. “It is unfortunate that such a debate has started. But it is the extension of what Prime Minister Narendra Modi tried to say with mangalsutra references during the poll campaign. An MP or MLA belongs to his or her entire constituency, not of a particular religion or caste. We are upset with Devesh Chandra Thakur and Giriraj Singh for their divisive language. Let the country be run by the Constitution and not by the whims of certain people,” RJD spokesperson Mrityunjay Tiwari said.

Addressing a function in Sitamarhi, Thakur, who defeated RJD’s Arjun Rai, a Yadav, in the Sitamarhi parliamentary constituency had said on Monday, “Yadav aur Musalman hamare yahan aate hain to unka swagat hai. Chai pijiye, mithai khaiye. Lekin main aapka koi kaam nahi karunga (Yadavs and Muslims who come to me are welcome. They can have tea and sweets. But I will not do any work for them).”