Hours after the Karnataka police registered an FIR for his “15 crore...” remark, All India Majlis-E-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM) leader Waris Pathan on Saturday said if people have been hurt by my words I take them back.
Addressing a news conference with his party’s MLA Sayed Imtiyaz Jaleel, Pathan said, “I would like to make once again clear that I have not said any such thing that wrong inferences could be drawn on my statement and I have been targeted for the same. I see a political conspiracy in this to defame me and my party.
“Despite all this if any of my words have hurt anyone, I am withdrawing my words only because I am a true citizen of this country and I feel proud to call myself an Indian,” Pathan said.
“Like I have said before I take pride in my country. I am a true Indian Muslim No can challenge or raise questions about my love and respect towards this great nation and the people who live here whether they are Hindus, Dalits, Sikhs, Parsis or any one. I have never criticised any religion at any point of time. I respect and will continue to respect all religions. I also respect the practisioners of these religions, “ Pathan said.
Pathan, who has come in severe criticisms from all quarters for his controversial “15 crore hain hum lekin 100 crore pe bhari hain" statement, clarified: “An impression is being created in the media that I am anti-national and thatI am against Hindus. The statement I made that 15 crore will be too much for 100. It does not mean that I have made this statement against Hindus in the country”
“What I meant was 15 crore Musilms are unhappy over CAA so are people from religions and castes who have faith in the Constitution. Like Jhansi Rani, our women are out on the streets protesting against CAA. But, there are some 100 people who are clearly against 15 crore Muslims in the country. They may be RSS, BJP, Bhajrang Dal or from other parties and organisations. I had made my statement in this context that we 15 crore will be heavy on these 100people,
“These 100 who want to divide this country by bringing this law. There are also journalists among 100 people who claim themselves as most patriotic persons – participating in prime time debates in the night, twist and turn a single statement of mine to suit their agenda. They are instigating the people in the country,” the AIMIM leader said.