UP minister Swami Prasad Maurya on Saturday triggered a controversy by his comments on triple talaq saying that ``Muslims chose triple talaq and keep on changing their wives to satisfy their ‘lust’”.  

Maurya said in Basti,”Koi hawas pura karne ke liye lagatar patni badle, bachchon-patni ko bheek mangne pe mazboor kare, ise koi acha nhi kahega (Just to satisfy lust, if someone changes his wife and forces children / wife to beg, then no one would appreciate it).

Following a public outrage over his comments, Maurya retracted from his comments within hours and clarified, ``I have only said that I am for justice with Muslim women who are the victims of triple talaq. This has also been said in BJP’s election manifesto `Sankalp Patra’ for the recent Assembly poll. The BJP stands with Muslim women who have been given talaq in unreasonable and arbitrary manner.’’

Muslim leaders however condemned Maurya’s comments saying that they were provocative and unwarranted. 

Head of All India Muslim Personal law Board Shaista Amber said, “The comments of Maurya are outrageous. Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath is working hard to provide justice to destitute women while his minister is making irresponsible statements, Maurya should be sent to a mental asylum as he is not fit to be a minister.’’

Imam of Aishbagh Idgah Maulana Khalid Rashid said, “It’s an open attack on Islam as triple talaq is a matter of Muslim personal law and Shariat. The minister should tender an unconditional apology.’’ 

Former minister and Samajwadi party leader Azam Khan said, “Its a third rate statement by a third rate leader.’’

The BJP minister’s comments came at a time when there is a raging debate over the issue of triple talaq. Earlier this month, All India Muslim Personal law Board had issued a code of conduct for Muslim men and warned that those who give talaq without adequate reasons will face social boycott. 

Maurya, who had defected to the BJP in July last year, also lashed out at his former mentor and BSP chief Mayawati for her EVM tampering comments after BSP’s drubbing at the recent Assembly poll.  

“The worst ever debacle of the BSP has unnerved Mayawati and she is unable to cope with the adverse situation,” he said.