Congress: Haryana CM's 'namaz' remark in poor taste

Pradeep Sharma

Tribune News Service

Chandigarh, December 17

CM Manohar Lal Khattar’s recent statement that namaz would not be tolerated in open places came in for severe criticism on the first day of the winter session of the Haryana Assembly here today.

Also read: Namaz disruptions: Haryana CM Manohar Lal Khattar suspends public prayers until solution is found

Namaz in open won't be allowed, amicable solution soon: Manohar Lal Khattar

Prayers disrupted

• Some outfits allegedly disrupted Friday prayers at some locations in Gurugram
• The Sanyukt Hindu Sangharsh Samiti alleged that Muslims had come to the wrong spot to offer namaz and were ‘peacefully’ directed to the right site
• “It was a minor scuffle and before arguments could turn ugly, we intervened. It is a sensitive issue and circulating videos about it will hamper peace,” said a DSP

Raising the issue during Zero Hour, Congress legislators from the Mewat area termed the CM’s statement as “unfortunate saying this would send a wrong message to a section of society”. Deputy Leader of the Congress Legislature Party and Nuh MLA Aftab Ahmed alleged that CM’s statement was in “poor taste” and he should not have made such a “provocative statement.”

“It is unfortunate that the CM, who is also the Leader of the House, had made such a statement which is clearly violative of the fundamental right enshrined in the Constitution,” alleged Mohammad Ilyas, MLA from Punhana.

Though Khattar was not present in the House during the discussion, ministers and MLAs from the ruling party seemed to be embarrassed and nobody intervened in the discussion to counter the Mewat legislators.

Mamman Khan, legislator from Ferozepur Jhirka, said, “The CM’s statement will lead to division in society and he should withdraw it as a goodwill gesture.”

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