We do not approve of Giriraj’s comments, says BJP

Party yet to decide on action against Bihar leader

Despite widespread condemnation within the party and outside, Bihar BJP leader Giriraj Singh (in picture) remained unfazed and stood by his controversial comment. File photo: V. Sudershan

Left red-faced by its Bihar leader Giriraj Singh’s comments that all those opposed to Narendra Modi should leave India and move to Pakistan, the Bharatiya Janata Party on Sunday was quick to distance itself from the statement.

Mr. Singh’s comments evoked sharp reactions; politicians cutting across party lines sought action against the BJP leader, but the party is yet to take action against him.

Soon after Mr Singh’s remarks at the Deogarh rally, the former Deputy Chief Minister of Bihar, Sushil Kumar Modi, tweeted, “BJP doesn’t approve of irresponsible statement given by Giriraj Singh.”

Party spokesperson Nirmala Sitharaman said, “The BJP does not approve of such comments.” However, she denied that party president Rajnath Singh had reprimanded Mr. Singh.

“Our prime ministerial candidate Mr. Modi is running a campaign on constructive and positive agenda of providing a better economic and harmonious environment,” she said.

BJP sources said the party was yet to take a call on possible action against Mr. Singh as his comments are in contrast to the party line that the party has taken so far.

Mr. Singh is contesting the Lok Sabha election from Nawada. At a poll meeting in Mohanpur Haat Maidan near Deogarh, he was reported to have said, “Those opposing Narendra Modi are looking at Pakistan, and such people will have place in Pakistan and not in India.”