Giriraj Singh’s ‘Namak Haraam’ remark sparks Bihar poll row

Union Minister Giriraj Singh has once again courted controversy by making a remark against a minority community, stating that he does not seek votes from “namak haraams” (betrayers). The statement was made while addressing a public rally in Arwal district, Bihar, on Saturday.

Singh, a BJP MP from Begusarai, recounted an interaction with a Muslim cleric (‘maulvi’). He said, _“Once I asked a maulvi whether he has an Ayushman Bharat health card and he replied in affirmative. I asked whether such cards were distributed on the basis of Hindu-Muslim and he replied in negative.”_

He added that when he asked the cleric whether he had voted for him, the reply was affirmative. However, when requested to swear on Khuda (God), the cleric declined. _“Muslims take benefits of all central schemes but don’t vote for us… Such people are called ‘namak haraam’. I told maulvi sahab that I don’t want votes for ‘namak haraams’,”_ Singh stated.

The minister also said he asked the cleric whether Prime Minister Narendra Modi had abused him, to which the response was negative. Similarly, when Singh asked if he had insulted him, the cleric said “no.” Singh added, “Someone who does not acknowledge kindness is called ‘namak haraam’.”

Singh highlighted the NDA government’s developmental initiatives in Bihar. _“Roads have been built in Bihar not only for NDA leaders and workers but for the masses. Bihar has changed now. The NDA government works for every section of society, but Muslims do not vote for the BJP,”_ he said.

Reacting to Singh’s statement, RJD state unit spokesperson Mrityunjay Tiwary said _“It’s a well-known fact that BJP leaders cannot discuss growing unemployment, price hikes, better education, or medical facilities. Whenever you talk about development, they start discussions on Hindu-Muslim issues and try to divert attention from core issues.”_

Singh, known for his outspoken remarks, has previously courted controversy on multiple occasions.

The 243-member Bihar Assembly will go to polls in two phases on November 6 and 11, with results scheduled to be announced on November 14.