New Delhi: Amid all-round condemnation of Union Minister of State Sadhvi Niranjan Jyoti's controversial remarks, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday cautioned all his ministers as well as BJP MPs against using derogatory language.
As per reports, the PM said that use of derogatory language affects party's image and that he will not tolerate such remarks.
The PM's warning came as both Houses of Parliament today witnessed uproar over Niranjan Jyoti's derogatory remarks made during a campaign rally in Delhi yesterday.
While the minister apologised both in the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha, saying, "I didn't have any ill intention. But whatever words that I spoke, I express my deep regret and I accept what I said"; the same did not suffice opposition MPs.
While the Lok Sabha was adjourned till 11:30 am after it convened, in Rajya Sabha opposition MPs took the government to task over its minister's remarks.
Slamming the minister's remarks calling on voters to choose between Ramzadon and har**zadon, Congress leader Anand Sharma said Union ministers are expected to use decent language.
Sharma demanded PM Modi's statement on his minister's controversial remarks, saying, “PM should come to Parliament to explain; he doesn't come here... we are worried.”
BSP leader Mayawati condemned Niranjan Jyoti's remarks, saying if she doesn't resign she should be sacked.
Samajwadi Party leader Ram Gopal Yadav demanded that the minister should resign and that the PM should apologise for her remarks.
BJP's Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi said the government was ready for a discussion on the matter if the opposition gives a notice.
“We agree words should be used carefully, but not just by government ministers but also by opposition leaders. However, we don't justify such language,” Naqvi, MoS for Parliamentary Affairs, said.
Finance Minister Arun Jaitley defended the minister, saying, “She has apologised and withdrawn her statement; what happens outside isn't within domain of this House.”
CPI(M) leader Sitaram Yechury, however, said “this House (Rajya Sabha) cannot run until she is a member of the Executive.”
The Upper House witnessed repeated adjournments over the issue, the last one for the entire day.
Addressing voters in west Delhi’s Shyam Nagar, Niranjan Jyoti had yesterday said, “Aapko tay karna hai ki Dilli mein sarkar Ramzadon ki banegi ya har**zadon ki. Yeh aapka faisla hai (you have to decide whether Delhi will get a government of those born of Ram or of those born illegitimately).”
All Muslims and Christians in India are children of Ram, the BJP MP from Fatehpur, Uttar Pradesh, was quoted as saying further.
Later defending her remarks the minister said, "I did not take name of any particular individual, community or party. I was talking about separatist parties and leaders who think of dividing the country and who do not consider themselves to be a part of India."
