The Indian Parliament found itself engulfed in a storm of controversy as BJP MP Ramesh Bidhuri used derogatory slurs against BSP MP Danish Ali during a heated exchange in the Lok Sabha on the final day of the parliamentary session. The incident, which involved Islamophobic comments, has sparked outrage across party lines and led to demands for disciplinary action.
During the session, Bidhuri reportedly referred to Ali as “HARWA” (prostitute), “KATWA” (circumcised), “UGRAVADI” (militant), “MULLAH ATANKWADI” (terrorist), and “BHARWA” (pimp). His remarks, captured on live television, shocked the nation and raised questions about decorum within the sacred halls of the Indian Parliament.
Former Union Health Minister Harsh Vardhan and former Union Law Minister Ravishankar Prasad were seen smiling at these derogatory comments, further fueling the controversy. Congress leader Kodikunnal Suresh, who chaired the session, attempted to restore order, but the damage had been done.
While the BJP high command has not yet taken any official action against Bidhuri, Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh expressed regret over the incident. Singh, however, claimed he had not personally heard the derogatory remarks.
The incident drew sharp criticism from various political leaders. Congress leader Jairam Ramesh called the event “shameful” and dismissed Singh’s apology as “half-hearted” and “an eyewash.” TMC MP Mahua Moita condemned the incident on social media, questioning whether the BJP leadership and the media would take any action.
During the proceedings, Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla warned Bidhuri of “strict action” if such behavior were to recur, but no immediate punitive measures were taken.
Danish Ali, the target of the derogatory comments, wrote to Birla, requesting that Bidhuri’s remarks be referred to the Lok Sabha privileges committee. In his letter, Ali expressed his deep disappointment that such an incident had occurred within the new parliament building under Birla’s leadership and as a minority member of the nation.
Speaking to The Wire, Ali pondered whether this was the “New India” that Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke of and expressed concern about the fate of ordinary Muslims in such an environment.
Various political parties, including Congress, DMK, TMC, and NCP, have moved privilege motions against Bidhuri, demanding that his comments be thoroughly examined by the privileges committee. Congress leader Rahul Gandhi visited Ali to show his support, emphasizing the need for love in a climate marked by hatred.
Congress’s leader in Lok Sabha, Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury, called for punitive action against Bidhuri in a letter to Speaker Om Birla. DMK’s Kanimozhi urged immediate action against Bidhuri, emphasizing the gravity of his words.
TMC’s Aparuppa Poddar also called for the matter to be referred to the Privileges Committee, citing established precedents for examining breaches of privilege in statements made within the House.
NCP’s Supriya Sule moved a privilege motion, stating that Bidhuri’s remarks “prima facie constitute a Breach of Privilege and undermine the dignity of the Lok Sabha.”
As the controversy continues to unfold, the nation watches closely to see how the Indian Parliament addresses this incident and its implications for parliamentary decorum and the dignity of elected representatives.
