Raja Singh controversy: BJP suspends Telangana MLA for remarks aimed at Prophet Muhammad

Reacting to the uproar against T Raja Singh’s controversial remarks aimed at Prophet Muhammad, the Bharatiya Janata Party on Tuesday suspended its Telangana MLA hours after his arrest.

BJP legislator Raja Singh has been outspoken about his hard Hindutva views. He often issues controversial statements involving Muslims. The leader was suspended after his comments led to protests followed by his arrest by the Telangana Police.

“You have expressed views contrary to the Party’s position on various matters, which is in clear violation of Rule XXV 10 (a) of 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,” a statement issued from the office of BJP central disciplinary committee secretary Om Pathak said.

Raja Singh has also been asked to “show cause” within 10 days from the date of the notice as to why the party should not expel him. “Your detailed reply must reach the undersigned no later than 2nd of September 2022,” Pathak’s statement said.

The suspension of the BJP leader comes months after the party suspended former spokesperson Nupur Sharma, whose remarks against Prophet Muhammad culminated in unprecedented backlash. The party had also expelled Delhi unit’s media chief Naveen Jindal for his remarks at the time.