Daijiworld Media Network – Mumbai

Mumbai, Jul 6: A Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) MP who is famed for his controversial remarks had to tender his resignation on Friday after he stirred controversy by calling Christians ‘angrez’ who have not contributed for the freedom struggle.

MP from Mumbai North Gopal Shetty is heard saying in a video clip "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 made the controversial statement 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.

The Mumbai Congress hit back at the MP on Wednesday. “It’s clear BJP MP is not aware of history, or is purposely trying to create discord among members of one community with such communally sensitive utterances," the Mumbai Congress tweeted.

The Telangana Congress also took a dig at the BJP. “Official written orders were passed by the heads of RSS & Hindu Mahasabha asking their cadre not to participate in Indian Freedom Struggle & this is "BJP" History !!” the INC Telangana tweeted.

Meanwhile, Shetty defended his statement and said that he has been misinterpreted and has not said something that requires him to apologize. He told media that the fact is that people from every religion contributed for Indian freedom. However, he expressed unhappiness that his party did not stand by him.

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.

Two years ago, Shetty had stirred trouble for his party by describing farmer suicides as "fashion".