Have to be Hindu to live in Araria, says Bihar BJP MLA at Giriraj rally, triggers controversy

PATNA: BJP Lok Sabha MP from Araria Pradeep Kumar Singh stirred a controversy on Tuesday, saying, "Araria mein rahna hai toh Hindu banna padega (If you want to live in Araria, you will have to become Hindu)." The governing ally JD(U) joined the opposition alliance in Bihar to condemn Singh.

Araria is one of the few border districts of the state which has a significant Muslim population . Singh, a three-term MP from the seat, was addressing a gathering during the Hindu Swabhiman Yatra led by Union minister Giriraj Singh .

Singh appealed to the crowd to consider the caste factor only during wedding of their children, but when it comes to displaying unity they must prioritise their Hindu identity . "What's the shame in calling oneself a Hindu? When you want to marry your son or daughter, then find a suitable match from your caste, but when it is a matter of unity, then first become a Hindu and then find out the caste," he told the crowd.

The BJP MP's remarks drew bitter comments from party ally JD(U), which said it doesn't support his views. "How can one say only those who follow a particular religion will remain in Araria," asked state JD(U) spokesperson Neeraj Kumar.

RJD , meanwhile, asked CM Nitish Kumar not to compromise with his principles. Defending the party MP's observation, state BJP spokesperson Kuntal Krishna said such a remark was a reply to those who want to create terror in the area. "This is a reply to Bangladeshi nationals, Rohingyas, who are creating terror in the border region," Krishna said.