Daijiworld Media Network – Mumbai
Mumbai, Jul 7: Upset over BJP MP of Mumbai North Gopal Shetty’s insensitive remarks against the Christians, members from the community led by prominent Christian leaders organised a protest few metres away from Shetty's office in Kandivali area on Friday, July 6.
The MP had dismissed efforts of the members of the Christian community during the freedom struggle and had termed Christians as ‘angrez’.
"Christians were British; hence they didn’t participate in the freedom movement. India was not freed by Hindus or Muslims, we fought as one, as Hindustanis for our independence,” Shetty had said while addressing a gathering during the Eid-E-Milad organised by the Shia Kabrastan Committee at Malvani in Malad in Mumbai on Sunday, July 1.
Former vice president of Minorities Commission Janet D’souza led the protest and demanded Gopal Shetty to apologise. However, the MP refused to do so and stood firm on his statements.
Mumbai BJP President and MLA from Bandra West Ashish Shelar told media that BJP does not support such statements and supports the Christian community. “Though the MP did not mean what he said, he has been asked to withdraw the statement,” he added.
Shetty then tendered his resignation, though he maintained he was misinterpreted and did not say something he needs to apologize for. He was upset that his party did not back him.
Prominent leaders Lawrence D’souza, Robert D’souza, Lawrence Fernandes and Willy Shirsat and office bearers of Bombay Catholic Sabha, All India Catholic Union, Church in the city and Mahila Congress President and members took part in the protest.