Salman Khurshid`s Nainital home vandalised following `Hindutva` remark in book

In his new book `Sunrise over Ayodhya`, Khurshid compared Hindutva with radical Islamic terrorist groups like ISIS and Boko Haram.

New Delhi: In what marks the latest update in the former Union Minister Salman Khurshid’s ‘Hindutva’ remark controversy, the Congress leader’s Nainital residence was vandalised and torched on Monday (November 15), reported ANI.

An accused named Rakesh Kapil has been booked along with 20 others and strict actions have been assured by DGI Neelesh Anand against the perpetrators.

Meanwhile, the Congress leader, who has been receiving flak for his remarks against Hindutva in the new book 'Sunrise Over Ayodhya’, shared pictures and videos of his destroyed home on Facebook.

Sharing pictures and videos of the incident, Khurshid wrote on Facebook, "I hoped to open these doors to my friends who have left this calling card. Am I still wrong to say this cannot be Hinduism?"

Reacting to the act, Khurshid’s colleague and Congress MP Shashi Tharoor tweeted: "This is disgraceful, salman7khurshid is a statesman who has done India proud in international forums &always articulated a moderate, centrist, inclusive vision of the country domestically.".

In the controversial book, Khurshid compared Hindutva, an ideology related to Hinduism, with radical Islamic terrorist groups like ISIS and Boko Haram and this comparison has been criticised by many including opposition leaders. A case has also been filed against Khurshid over his remarks for hurting religious sentiments.

The leader later issues clarification on his statements by saying that Hindutva and radical Islam are similar, not the same. The former union minister said that the enemies of Hinduism are those who are trying to defame the religion.

Speaking to the media during his visit to Kalki Dham, Khurshid said, "I am visiting Kalki Dham. I would not be here if I would have any issue with any religion. I believe that Hinduism spread peace in the world.