"Aren't muslims citizens of this society?,” Rizwan Arshad challenges BJP
Bengaluru: Congress legislator Rizwan Arshad strongly criticized BJP leaders in the Karnataka Assembly, questioning their remarks on the state budget.
"Aren't Muslims citizens of this country? Aren't they part of this society? If not, let them declare that we are animals, unfit to live in this society," he said, taking a dig at the Opposition.
Participating in the budget debate on Thursday, Arshad pointed out that BJP leaders, including Opposition Leader R. Ashoka, had labeled the budget presented by Chief Minister Siddaramaiah as a "Muslim budget," "appeasement budget," and "halal budget."
"But tell me, which Muslims in this country and state do not pay taxes? Does our tax money not go to the treasury? Do we not have the right to demand our share in that tax? Do we not have the right to live in this society? Out of the ₹4.10 lakh crore budget, ₹4,100 crore has been allocated to minorities, and that is not just for Muslims," Arshad stated.
Refuting communal allegations, Arshad asserted, "We did not come from anywhere else. Understand first that we are your brothers. We are the people of this country, the children of this soil. Many of us may have converted from backward classes or Dalits at some point in history. Yet, there is no sympathy for us," he said, lashing out at the BJP.
At this point, BJP leader Basanagouda Patil Yatnal interrupted, accusing, "You are the ones who throw stones. You are the ones who fight. You are the ones who drove Hindus out of Pakistan." His statement triggered a heated exchange between ruling and opposition members in the House.
Later, Rizwan Arshad referenced Prime Minister Narendra Modi's statement that Muslim youth should hold a "Quran in one hand and a computer in the other." "Contrary to Modi’s vision, BJP leaders have criticized Siddaramaiah’s budget," he said.
Highlighting that minorities make up 16% of Karnataka’s population, Arshad questioned the BJP’s opposition to government support for their welfare.
"What is wrong if the government provides funds for the development of these communities? BJP leaders are misleading the public with unnecessary criticism," he remarked.
He further accused BJP leaders of "sowing the seeds of hatred" in society through divisive statements. "What will happen to Karnataka’s reputation because of such rhetoric? What message will be sent internationally? Shouldn’t we think about this?" he asked.
Asserting that the current budget allocation for minorities was insufficient, Arshad urged the government to provide more funds for the community’s welfare.
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Chennai devotee donates electric bus to TTD in Andhra
Tirupati (PTI): A Chennai-based devotee on Saturday donated an electric bus to TTD, which the temple body promised to utilise for freely ferrying pilgrims.
Vardhaman Jain handed over the keys of the bus to TTD additional executive officer Ch Venkaiah Chowdhary.
"Jain donated an electric bus to TTD on Saturday morning," said an official press release from the temple body.
The donor performed special prayers for the bus in front of the Sri Venkateswara temple.
TTD is the official custodian of Sri Venkateswara Swamy temple, considered the richest Hindu shrine in the world.
