Pathan withdraws ‘hate comment’

Mumbai, February 22

Following a nationwide furore over his “communal” speech, All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM) ex-legislator of Maharashtra Waris Pathan withdrew his controversial remark here on Saturday. “I had no intentions to hurt the sentiments of any community. My remarks were not anti-Hindu. I hereby withdraw my statement,” Pathan told mediapersons here this evening.

A huge political storm erupted after Pathan addressed an anti-CAA rally in Kalburgi (Gulbarga) in Karnataka on February 15 where he said, “15 -crore (Muslims) will prove stronger than the 100-crore majority (Hindus).”

Meanwhile, the AIMIM has imposed a gag order on Waris Pathan. He refused to speak to the media following his controversial speech. A party leader said Pathan had been directed not to speak to the media. — IANS/TNS

Boycott him: BJP leader

Nagpur: Hitting out at AIMIM leader Waris Pathan, Maharashtra BJP legislator Girish Vyas has said he should remember what happened in Gujarat. He urged the Muslim community to boycott people like Pathan and “teach them a lesson.” PTI