BJP MLA sparks row with "Pakistani" remark targeting Congress MLA Rafeek Khan in Rajasthan Assembly
Jaipur: Rajasthan Assembly witnessed uproar on late Friday after BJP MLA Gopal Sharma repeatedly called Congress MLA Rafeek Khan a “Pakistani,” triggering strong protests from the Opposition.
The incident unfolded during a discussion on grants for Urban Development and Housing, and the Local Self Government departments. Gopal Sharma, representing Civil Lines (Jaipur) made the controversial comment as Khan, the Congress MLA from Adarsh Nagar, compared the performance of the Congress and BJP-led governments, as reported by The Indian Express.
Khan, while speaking, made an indirect reference to Sharma, asking the chairperson to “impart” some knowledge to him. In response, Sharma repeatedly used the term “Pakistani” when addressing Khan, an act that immediately sparked a loud reaction from the opposition bench.
As the situation escalated, chairperson Sandeep Sharma intervened, urging the BJP MLA to sit down. Leader of Opposition Tika Ram Jully expressed outrage, questioning the appropriateness of such remarks. "What is this? This is some joke. A man says whatever he wants," Jully remarked. He emphasised that it was unacceptable to insult someone's dignity and honour in this manner.
This is not the first time Gopal Sharma has come under fire for similar remarks. In a previous incident during a Jaipur Municipal Corporation meeting last year, Sharma was involved in a heated clash with Khan. During the meeting, Sharma had claimed that he would not allow Jaipur to become a "mini-Pakistan," which led to a scuffle between the councillors of both parties, added IE.
Sharma also made the controversial remark that Khan was attempting to become “Jaipur ka Jinnah,” a reference to Muhammad Ali Jinnah, the founder of Pakistan.
In response to Sharma's latest comments, Rafeek Khan chose to respond with poetry, saying, “Un ka jo farz hai vo ahal-e-siyaasat jaanen, mera paigaam mohabbat hai jahan tak pahunche” (The people of politics should know their duty; my message of love should reach wherever it can).
Leader of Opposition Tika Ram Jully condemned Sharma’s remarks, stating that BJP leaders were increasingly lowering the level of their statements. “They do not see any difference between the speeches given in the Assembly and those given on the street. Assembly Speaker Vasudev Devnani and Leader of the House Bhajan Lal Sharma should take cognisance of this and take action against the MLA. Such comments are intolerable and condemnable. The Chief Minister should clarify whether such statements have his approval,” he wrote on X.
Rajasthan BJP MLA Gopal Sharma calls taunts Congress MLA Rafeek Khan with 'Pakistani , Pakistani' slogans.
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Bhojshala case: Disputed structure built from remains of pre-existing temples, claims ASI
Indore (PTI): The ASI has told the Madhya Pradesh High Court that a massive structure dating back to the Paramara kings' rule existed at the disputed Bhojshala temple-Kamal Maula mosque complex, and the current structure was built from the remains of temples.
The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) made the claim on Tuesday based on its 98-day scientific survey and over 2,000-page report.
The Hindu community considers Bhojshala a temple dedicated to Vagdevi (Goddess Saraswati), while the Muslim side claims the monument as the Kamal Maula Mosque. The disputed complex is protected by the ASI.
During the hearing before Justices Vijay Kumar Shukla and Alok Awasthi of the HC's Indore bench, Additional Solicitor General Sunil Kumar Jain, representing the ASI, presented a detailed account of the scientific survey conducted two years ago at the complex.
Referring to the ASI's survey report, he said, "Retrieved architectural remains, sculptural fragments, large slabs of inscriptions with literary texts, Nagakarnika inscriptions on pillars, etc, suggest that a large structure associated with literary and educational activities existed at the site. Based on scientific investigations and archaeological remains recovered during the investigations, this pre-existing structure can be dated to the Paramara period."
It can be said that the existing structure was made from the parts of earlier temples, based on scientific investigations, survey and archaeological excavations conducted, study and analysis of retrieved finds, study of architectural remains, sculptures, and inscriptions, art and sculptures, Jain said quoting the report.
Summarising the report, he also drew the court's attention to the fact that the archaeological study identifies that many architectural components, such as pillars and beams, were originally part of temple structures before being repurposed for a mosque.
"The evidence of this transition includes Sanskrit and Prakrit inscriptions that were damaged or hidden, alongside sculptures of deities and animals that were often mutilated or defaced," Jain contended.
The report also states that "all Sanskrit and Prakrit inscriptions are older than the Arabic and Persian inscriptions, indicating that users or engravers of the Sanskrit and Prakrit inscriptions occupied the place earlier".
In light of the Muslim side's earlier objections, the bench wanted to know why there were some discrepancies in the ASI's responses regarding the status of the disputed complex in the cases filed over the years.
The Additional Solicitor General argued that earlier studies of the complex involved only officials, while the current survey involved scientists and the use of advanced technologies such as Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR).
The hearing in the Bhojshala case will continue on Wednesday.
The high court has been regularly hearing four petitions and one writ appeal regarding the religious nature of the Bhojshala temple-Kamal Maula mosque complex since April 6.
