BJP suspends Nupur Sharma for Controversial remarks on Prophet Muhammad

Bhartiya Janata Party expelled one of its national spokesperson and Youth representative, Nupur Sharma, along with the party’s media cell chief, Navin Kumar Jindal, on Sunday, 5 June. This action was taken amidst the global outrage after a video of Nupur making derogatory remarks against Prophet Mohammad went viral on social media.

An uprising was also witnessed at Nai Sarak area in Kanpur, leading to unrest among the Hindu and Muslim communities during the visit of PM Narendra Modi and President Kovind. The two opposing groups underwent heated exchange followed by stone pelting. Eighteen people were arrested due to the clash that left 6 injured.

The ruling party released an official statement in response to the registered protest by Qatar, and handed it to Indian ambassador Deepak Mittal. The official notice asked for public apology and immediate condemnation of these remarks from the Indian government. "The BJP respects all religions, and strongly denounces insults of any religious personalities of any religion,” said the party.

The official spokesperson, Arindam Bagchi also passed a statement that read, “the Government of India accords the highest respect to all religions, the offensive tweets and comments denigrating a religious personality were made by certain individuals. They do not, in any manner, reflect the views of the Government of India. Strong action has already been taken against these individuals by relevant bodies.”

The widespread protest around the Arab countries, including a "Boycott India'' campaign sparked on various social media platforms allegedly hurled the party to take the decision of expulsion.

Individual apologies were also passed down by both the former spokesperson of the party. They stated that their remarks were not aimed at hurting religious sentiments of any community or to create unrest among Muslims in India and worldwide.