Congress MP Shashi Tharoor has waded into yet another controversy with remarks about Prime Minister Narendra Modi donning “outlandish” Naga and other headgear on his trips but refusing to sport a Muslim skull cap. The BJP termed it an insult to the people of the Northeast and sought the Congress’ apology.
“I ask you why does our Prime Minister wear all sorts of outlandish headgear wherever he goes around the country or around the worldij Why does he always refuse to wear a Muslim skull capij You see him in Naga headgears with feathers. You have seen him in various kinds of extraordinary outfits which is a right thing for a Prime Minister to do. Indira Gandhi has also been photographed wearing various kinds of costumes. But why he still always says no to oneij” Tharoor said.
The former Union Minister made the remarks while addressing a seminar on “Standing up to hatred, violence and intolerance in contemporary India” in Kerala on Sunday.
Tharoor’s comments drew a sharp response from Union Minister Kiren Rijiju, who said the Congress leader’s remarks insulted tribals and people from the North-East.
“I demand apology from the Congress for insulting the people of India’s Northeast & Tribals.
Shashi Tharoor described Northeast people & Naga Tribal headgears as funny looking outlandish & hilarious,” Rijiju, a native of Arunachal Pradesh, said on Twitter.
“Shashi Tharoor insults the proud cultural heritage of the people of Northeast. This condescension & arrogance towards the people of India have become hallmarks of @INCIndia,” Union Information and Broadcasting Minister Rajyavardhan Rathore tweeted.
BJP general secretary Ram Madhav said,”For Tharoor, Naga headgear is outlandish and hilarious. In his overzealous love for skull cap, Tharoor doesn’t mind insulting the customs of the Nagas and other NE people. He should learn to respect all customs.”
Tharoor had recently kicked up a row with remarks that the BJP, if voted to power again, will rewrite the Constitution and pave the way for creation of a “Hindu Pakistan”, said Modi shunned the green colour as he felt it was associated with Muslim appeasement.
“Why does he refuse to wear green, the colour that he says is identified with Muslim appeasementij What kind of talk it isij” he said.