look news india
Kolkata, July 31 (HS). BJP MLAs on Wednesday walked out of the West Bengal Assembly protesting against the recent statement of senior minister Firhad Hakim. Hakim had said at an event that “there is a need to spread Islam among non-Muslims”. BJP MLAs walked out of the Assembly thrice.
Urban Development Minister Hakim termed his remarks as unrelated to politics and society and said that he has always been and will remain secular. BJP MLAs, led by Chief Whip Shankar Ghosh, demanded Hakim to withdraw his remarks.
Hakim said that I have been a secular person all my life. My comments made at the religious event have nothing to do with politics and society. I will remain secular and non-communal till my last breath.
Assembly Speaker Biman Banerjee termed it “unconstitutional” and “unprecedented” and appealed to the BJP MLAs to maintain the dignity of the House. Trinamool Congress MLAs opposed the walkout of the BJP.
Agriculture Minister Shobhandeb Chatterjee said that in his political career of more than 30 years, he had never seen such behaviour of the opposition party. He said that the comment made at an event outside has no relation to the House. It should not be brought into discussion here.
Hakim's remarks, which he made at the 'All India Quran Competition' earlier this month, caused controversy. Hakim had said that those who are not born in Islam are unfortunate. It is our responsibility to bring them to Islam.
