Suresh Tiwari from Uttar Pradesh, a lawmaker from India’s ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), has asked the people of his constituency to refrain from buying vegetables from Muslim vendors to protect themselves from Covid-19.
The video being shared on social media shows Tiwari stating “keep one thing in mind […] do not buy vegetables from miyan (Muslims)”
While talking to The Wire, Tiwari confirmed that he had in fact made those remarks after hearing reports from people in his constituency that Muslim vendors were “spitting on vegetables before selling them”. Tiwari stated he “advised the people to [not buy vegetables from them] so they could protect themselves from the coronavirus”.
What has the BJP done:
- BJP has issued a show cause notice to party Uttar Pradesh MLA Suresh Tiwari for his remarks targeting people of a particular community.
- BJP National President J P Nadda asked UP BJP President to take action against the MLA. Mr Nadda has said such comments are unacceptable.