Sorry if I hurt people's sentiments, says Bihar minister after receiving 'fatwa' for chanting 'Jai shri Ram'

Patna: Bihar Minister Khurshid, alias Firoz Ahmad, who was given a 'fatwa' for chanting 'Jai shri Ram', said he is sorry if he had hurt people's sentiments.

“I apologize to anyone who was hurt. I didn't abuse anyone. No one asked me what's in my heart,” he said.

Ahmad had said on Sunday that he would not hesitate to chant 'Jai shri Ram' if it is for harmony and development of the state.

"If I have to say 'Jai shri Ram' for people of Bihar, development, harmony, I will never step back from saying it," the minister told ANI.

After the comment, a cleric issued a 'Fatwa' against him, saying that it was un-Islamic.

Ahmad, however, said the cleric reacted unnecessarily and done in a hurry.

“As far as the fatwa is concerned, no one talked to me first and decided everything on their own,” he said.

"God knows with what intention I raised slogans of 'Jai shri Ram'. My work will tell who I am... Respect Imarat Shariah, they should have asked my intentions (before issuing fatwa). Why should I be scared?" he added.

Khurshid was once again made a minister in the JD(U)-BJP government yesterday and was given the Minority Welfare portfolio.