New Delhi: The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Sunday suspended Nupur Sharma and Naveen Jindal from the party’s primary membership. The order in this regard was issued by the BJP Central Disciplinary Committee. “You have expressed views contrary to the Party’s position on various matters, which is in clear violation of Rule 10 (a) of constitution of the Bharatiya Janata Party,” said the order issued to Sharma by Om Pathak, Member Secretary, Central Disciplinary Committee.
“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 added.
This comes after the BJP distanced itself from the controversial comments allegedly made by Sharma against Prophet Mohammed.
BJP national general secretary Arun Singh in a statement said the party is strongly against any ideology, which insults or demeans any sect or religion.
He added the BJP does not support such persons or ideologies.
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The BJP national general secretary further said India’s Constitution gives right to every citizen to practice any religion of his or her choice and to honour and respect every religion.
“As India celebrates 75th year of its Independence, we are committed to making India a great country where all are equal and everyone lives with dignity, where all are committed to India’s unity and integrity, where all enjoy the fruits of growth and development,” he added.
Sharma’s comment during a TV debate last week, purportedly insulting the Prophet, had triggered a huge outcry and protests from the Muslim groups.
Earlier on Friday, at least 40 people, including 20 police personnel, were injured during clashes in Uttar Pradesh’s Kanpur city over a call to shut down markets following the controversial remarks made by Sharma.
President Ram Nath Kovind and Prime Minister Narendra Modi were at a function, around 80 kilometres away from the spot, when the clashes broke out in Kanpur.