New Delhi, May 27 (Zee News): In yet another blow to Union Minister Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi, who has been facing criticism from several quarters over his 'those who eat beef can go to Pakistan' remark, his colleague in the BJP-led NDA government has now slammed him for his “unpalatable” comment.
Reports on Wednesday said that Kiren Rijiju, the Minister of State for Home, has slammed Naqvi for his 'beef' remark and said that it was not 'good'.
"I eat beef, I’m from Arunachal Pradesh, can somebody stop me? So let us not be touchy about somebody’s practices,” Rijiju was quoted as telling reporters in Aizawl.
Rijiju's reactions came nearly a week after Naqvi, the Minister of State for Minority Affairs, had defended the ban on cow slaughter and beef in two BJP-ruled states - Maharashtra and Haryana - in words that many found controversial.
"It is not about loss or profit... it is an issue of faith and belief. It is a sensitive issue for the Hindus. Those who can't do without beef can go to Pakistan or Arab countries or any other part of world where it is available," Naqvi had reportedly said at a conclave organized by a private TV channel.
The statement is not palatable, Rijiju said, while asserting that such a ban could not be imposed on northeastern states, where beef is a popular choice.
"If Maharashtra is Hindu majority and if they are to make laws which are conducive to the Hindu faith, let them be. But in our place, in northeastern states majority of people eat beef. So they also should not have a problem with the way we live. We have to honour the sentiments of each place and each location," Rijiju said.
“This country is a multi-racial, multi-religious, multi-communal country. We must respect each other’s practices. There cannot be any force on anybody about your practices, your faith. So if anybody makes a statement which is forcing or imposing your belief, your faith, your practices on another community, another believer, it is not good,” Rijiju said.
Rijiju, however, added that Naqvi was using his freedom of speech and expression.