Union Minister Giriraj Singh, a BJP MP from Begusarai, sparked controversy on Saturday with remarks targeting Muslims during a rally in Arwal district, Bihar. Singh claimed he had asked a Muslim cleric whether he had an Ayushman Bharat health card and whether he had voted for him. When the cleric said he had voted but refused to swear by God, Singh called such individuals “namak haraams” (betrayers) and said he did not want votes from people who do not acknowledge the BJP’s work.
Singh added that neither he nor Prime Minister Narendra Modi had insulted the cleric, yet he still did not vote for the BJP. “Then what is my fault that you didn’t vote for me?” Singh said, repeating that those who fail to reciprocate kindness are “namak haraam.” He highlighted the NDA government’s infrastructure work, including road construction, claiming it benefits all communities in Bihar, but alleged that Muslims consistently withheld their support.
RJD spokesperson Mrityunjay Tiwary sharply criticized Singh’s comments, accusing BJP leaders of using Hindu-Muslim rhetoric to divert attention from pressing issues such as unemployment, inflation, and poor education and healthcare. “Whenever you talk about development, they start discussions on Hindu-Muslim issues to distract voters,” he said.
Singh, known for his provocative statements, has faced backlash for similar remarks in the past. His latest comments come ahead of the Bihar Assembly elections on November 6 and 11, with results due on November 14.
