A vociferous Opposition on Monday demanded in the lok Sabha an FIR against BJP MP Tarun Vijay for his purported racial remarks, even as the Government asserted that there was no discrimination in the country on the basis of colour, creed and religion.
The house was repeatedly adjourned on the issue with Congress leader Mallikarjun Kharge demanding strict action against Vijay as Union Parliamentary Affairs Minister Ananth Kumar asked the former "not to create a divide". Kumar said the BJP leader has already apologised for his mistake.
In his response, Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh said India is a secular country and there is no discrimination allowed on the basis of colour, creed and religion. "The individual has already said that his remarks are indefensible," the Home Minister said quoting Vijay. He (Tarun Vijay) has already apologised, there is no need to raise any more questions about it, said Rajnath.
This, however, did not sooth frayed tempers in the Opposition bench with the House proceedings adjourned thrice — once during the Question Hour and twice during the Zero Hour. Not satisfied with the Government response, Congress staged a walk out from the house.
Kharge wondered whether the people from South India were not Indian citizens. "I want to know whether we are Indians or not... Are we not citizens (of India)," Kharge said during Zero Hour.
Wanting to know what action would be taken against Vijay who is "not an ordinary person", Kharge said he was a former Rajya Sabha member and has also written many books on BJP philosophy. He said the BJP leader's remark could "divide" the country with States asserting for their independence.
"FIR should be lodged against him (Tarun Vijay). He has talked about breaking the nation. It is anti-national," Kharge said.
Kumar said BJP is of the view that "we all are Indians. There is no difference on the basis of colour. We all are one. Congress should not create differences. We are all together". Kumar went on quoting Vijay saying he is an adopted son of a Tamil woman and in 2015 was seen holding a placard showing great Tamil poet Thiruvalluvar.