Economic boycott of Muslims is nothing but untouchability and absolutely unacceptable, Adaguru H. Vishwanath, BJP MLC and former Minister, has said in Gokak in Belagavi district.
“No one should play politics based on caste and religion,” he said. “They should be stopped immediately. I don’t know why the Government is keeping mum about the issue,” he said.
He was in Gokak, en route to Jamkhandi where he participated in a private ceremony.
“Why are Muslim traders being targeted? Are they not Indian citizens? Are they not Kannadigas? Why should their livelihood be snatched for political purposes?’’ he questioned.
He said that anti-Muslim politics is not part of the BJP’s agenda. “Prime Minister Narendra Modi has said that he goes by the principle of `Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas’ and he has never said anything that indicates communal politics. Anti-Muslim politics is not included in the BJP party constitution. No one should do it,’’ he said. “We should act according to the Constitution that makes us respect all religions and treat all communities equally,” he added.
“Have we ever thought what will happen if all the Muslim countries send back all the Hindus who are working there? Crores of Indians are working in foreign countries. Will we be able to accommodate them or feed them?” he asked.
“Poor Muslims who earn a livelihood by setting up shops near temples should not be disturbed. For them, it is their livelihood that comes first, then comes their religion or caste or group. Snatching their livelihood just because they sell goods near temples is sheer madness. This is a sorry state of affairs. The Government should interfere and stop this. If such discriminatory behaviour is not stopped, people will teach them a lesson,” he said.
