Hours after “Saamana” that India should ban on wearing of burqas in public places in view of a threat to national security, the Shiv Sena – apparently because of the BJP’s strong disapproval and criticism from various other Opposition quarters—on Wednesday distanced from the demand made in its official mouth-piece for a ban on burqua in public places.
In perhaps for the first time that the Shiv Sena disassociated itself from the editorial contents of party’s daily mouthpiece Saamana”, Sena’s spokesperson Neelam Gorhe said that the the party had nothing to do with the “ban burqua” demand made in the “Saamana” editorial, that too in the midst of ongoing Lok Sabha elections.
“Every policy decision is discussed in the meeting of leaders or announced by its President Uddhav Thackeray. Today’s editorial has neither been discussed nor been announced by Uddhavji and thus it may be a personal opinion of the editor on the current affairs in Sri Lanka, but is not endorsed by the party President or the party,” Gorhe said in a categorical statement issued here in the evening.
The Shiv Sena’s U-turn came after its ally made no bones about displeasure over the “ban burqua” demand made directly Prime Minister Narendra Modi and criticism by various Opposition leaders ahead of the three more remaining phases of Lok Sanha and five days before the start of holy month of fasting “Ramadan”.
In its editorial, Saamana had stated that its ally BJP must follow Sri Lanka’s footsteps and ban burqas across India.
The Sri Lankan Government had banned burqa, niqab or any kind of face-covering veil across the island nation following the Easter Sunday serial blasts that killed over 250 people.
Maintaining that it was not just triple talaq that needed to be banned in India and now burqa should also be banned as well, the Sena mouth-piece had asked Modi that if Sri Lanka being the country of Raavan could imposed a ban on buraqs, then why could not it be banned in a country like India, which is the country of Ram.
“This restriction has been recommended as an emergency measure to ensure the security forces do not encounter difficulties in identifying anybody. People wearing face-masks or burqas could pose a threat to national security,” the Saamana editorial had stated.
“This work will require as much daring as a ‘surgical strike.’ The Sri Lankan President had done it by overnight banning burqa or veils or face-covers of any types in all public places. This is a work of great courage and restraint exhibited by (Sri Lanka) President Maithripala Sirisena,” the editorial had added.
Miffed by the Sena’s demand for ban on burquas in public places, All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen chief Asaduddin Owais hit out at the Sena for its ignorance by seeking a ban on burqa this evening, and sought Election Commission of India action in the matter.
“The Supreme Court judgement on privacy clearly lays down that choice is now a Fundamental Right. Besides, it’s a violation of the Model Code of Conduct, aimed at creating polarization before the elections,” Owaisi said.
Though the BJP was understandably upset by the Shiv Sena’s controversial demand in the midst of polling, the principal ruling party did not come out with any statement. Sources said that the BJP leadership that felt that the demand might have a negative fallout on its electoral prospects in the remaining three phases of polling, conveyed its disapproval to the Sena leadership.
Republican Party of India (A) President and Union Minister Ramdas Athawale, whose party is a constituent of the BJP-led NDA, hit out at the Shiv Sena on the issue. “Not all women who wear burqa are terrorists, its their custom and their right, too. There should not be such a ban on burqa in India,” Athawale said.