The Telangana MLA, T. Raja Singh, was suspended by the BJP on Tuesday for allegedly uttering divisive comments about the Prophet Mohammad, hours after he had been taken into custody by the police.
A BJP MLA criticised Munawar Faruqui, a stand-up comedian who had just performed in the city, in a video that was posted on Monday. Additionally, Singh is allegedly seen making some remarks that criticise religion. On Monday night, a number of members of the community organised demonstrations calling for Singh’s arrest in many cities.
Om Pathak, a member secretary of the Central Disciplinary Committee, sent Singh a notice in which he stated: “You have expressed views contrary to the Party’s position on various matters, which is a clear violation of Rule XXV. 10 (a) of the constitution of the Bharatiya Janata Party. I have been directed to convey to you that, pending further inquiry, you are suspended from the party and from your responsibilities/assignments, if any, with immediate effect.”
Pathak further directed Singh to provide justification for his continued membership in the party within 10 days of the notice’s date.
A local police official, G. Koteshwara Rao, earlier claimed that Singh had been charged under Sections 153A and 153B of the Indian Penal Code (promoting enmity between different groups on grounds of religion).