‘Bring Your Sisters and Daughters Too, Our Boys Are Ready’: BJP MLA
Mr. Rameshwar Sharma, a Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) Member of the Legislative Assembly representing Bhopal’s Huzur constituency in Madhya Pradesh, has sparked widespread outrage following controversial and objectionable remarks targeting Muslim youth. Directing his comments at Muslim men regarding their participation in traditional Garba celebrations, Mr. Sharma publicly stated, ‘Bring your sisters and daughters along as well; our boys are ready’. He further urged Muslim attendees to chant ‘Jai Shree Ram,’ apply tilak on their foreheads, and offer prayers to Goddess Jagdamba, arguing that those who profess respect for the Sanatan faith should fully participate alongside their families rather than attend as mere spectators.
This provocative rhetoric marks the latest in a series of highly polarizing statements made by the BJP politician. The crude remark comes shortly after Mr. Sharma reportedly made threatening comments directed at Kazi Camp, a Muslim-majority neighborhood in Bhopal, suggesting that a missile launched from Karond Square should hit the area directly. Mr. Sharma has a documented history of delivering anti-Muslim speeches, including issuing threats over alleged ‘Love Jihad’ cases and asserting during his tenure as Pro-tem Speaker in 2021 that non-Hindus should be barred from religious festivals. He has also openly admitted to participating in the 1992 demolition of the Babri Masjid, calling it one of the most satisfying moments of his life.
The remarks drew swift and fierce condemnation from opposition parties across the political spectrum. Mr. Arif Masood, the Congress MLA from Bhopal Central, strongly denounced the statement as deeply offensive and heinous, labeling Sharma a ‘hate-monger’ and warning him to cease fueling Islamophobia while emphasizing that Muslims do not participate in Garba events. Mr. Harmeet Kaur, AICC Media Coordinator, condemned the speech as shameful, while Congress Media Cell Head Mr. Mukesh Nayak criticized Mr. Sharma for relying on societal polarization as an election strategy. Additionally, Mr. Mohsin Ali Khan, AIMIM’s Madhya Pradesh President, cited Article 25 of the Indian Constitution, affirming every citizen’s constitutional right to practice their faith freely.
In a broader critique, the Congress Seva Dal expressed outrage over the language used, remarking that it seems BJP leaders have taken up a contract to insult women. The organization asserted that such incendiary rhetoric by prominent politicians provides direct encouragement to anti-social elements. As opposition leaders demand accountability and highlight the threat such statements pose to national unity, the controversy continues to fuel intense political debate across Madhya Pradesh, highlighting deep political divisions ahead of upcoming electoral contests and raising urgent concerns regarding religious harmony and public discourse within the state.
