Anwesha Dash, Pune
Ramesh Bidhuri a BJP member from the South Delhi constituency, recently passed offensive and anti-Muslim remarks on BSP MP Danish Ali in a televised session of the Lok Sabha, which has sparked a massive ire against him and has let to demands of his suspension.
A recent debate in the Lok Sabha, regarding the Chandrayan-3 mission turned volatile when Ramesh Bidhuri a BJP MP took offence to BSP member Danish Ali’s words against Prime-Minister Narendra Modi, and in return retaliated with anti-Muslim slurs. Bhiduri used words such as “katua” (derogatory term used for circumcision), “mullah” (offensive way of saying Muslim), “ugravadi” (militant) and “aatankwadi” (terrorist).
For passing such comments on a co-Parliamentarian who belongs to a minority community and staining the sanctity of the Indian Parliament as well, Bidhuri has been on the receiving end of outrage and condemnation from both the public and other political leaders. There has been a massive demand for his suspension, led by the offended BSP MP Danish Ali.
Despite the far spread call for a stricter action against him, Bidhuri only got reprimanded by Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla and was sent a notice by his party, BJP. Meanwhile, Danish Ali has been incessantly writing to the Lok Sabha Speaker for proper action against the offender, and has stated that if Bidhuri is not suspended he would have no choice but to resign. The opposition also pointed out that other non-BJP members have been swiftly suspended or banned from a session for less offensive remarks.
While all these debates and demands regarding the next course of action regarding the political career of Ramesh Bidhuri have been going on, he has refused to make any further comments on the situation and has stated that the Lok Sabha speaker will look into the matter. While the Lok Sabha speaker has elaborated that if Bidhuri’s misconduct in the Parliament persists they would have to take serious action against him.
But this Islamophobic row in the Parliament is not a first for the BJP MP. Ramesh Bidhuri is known for a long list of misconduct and offensive behaviour against his colleagues in the opposition. From calling AAP leader Arvind Kejriwal a dwarf to making derogatory comments against Mayawati and Sonia Gandhi, Bidhuri already has a persistent habit of parliamentary misconduct.