Opposition coalition: Condemn BJP Spokesperson’s remarks; will not be overlooked

Opposition coalition comprising of Progressive Party of Maldives (PPM) and People’s National Congress (PNC), on Monday, has released a statement condemning India’s ruling party, Bharatiya Janata Party’s (BJP) Spokesperson’s comments slandering Prophet Muhammed (PBUH).

The statement read that BJP’s Spokesperson Nupur Sharma’s defamatory and deplorable comments against Prophet Muhammad were unacceptable. They went onto to state that by extension, Sharma’s comments were that of BJP’s.

On this note, the coalition said that the comments were a testament to the growing Islamophobia, systemic racism and caste-based violence in India.

Therewith, the coalition had called on BJP to address these issues currently faced at India and engage in comprehensive dialogue will all stakeholders to enable a safe environment for the Muslim population of India.

“We also note that the comments against Prophet Muhammed (PBUH) is an attack on the very heart of all Muslims worldwide and will not be overlooked,” the statement also read.

Concluding their statement – the opposition coalition pledged to continue to advocate for the security, safety and rights of Muslims all over the world.

Sharma’s remarks slandering Prophet Muhammed has been condemned by Adhaalath Party and Jumhoory Party as well.

Moreover, the remarks have been condemned by many Islamic countries across the world – as part of which many foreign relations bodies of the countries summoning Indian ambassadors and handing over official documents denouncing the remarks and demanding apologies from the Indian government and BJP. 

PNC member, Maduvvari MP Adam Shareef submitted and emergency motion to the parliament today regarding the Maldivian government’s failure to condemn the remarks.

A total of 43 parliamentarians took part in the vote to decide whether to accept or reject the emergency motion. The emergency motion was rejected by the votes of 33 parliamentarians; with only 10 parliamentarians voting to accept it.

In the statement released by BJP over the matter, the party said that they respect all religions – adding that it is not the party’s policy to slander any religious figures or symbols. Nevertheless, they apologized for the remarks made by a member of the party and assured such a thing will not happen again.