Daijiworld Media Network - Mumbai
Mumbai, Nov 13: A police complaint has been filed against former cricketer and Trinamool Congress MP Kirti Azad for allegedly insulting Lord Ram and hurting the religious sentiments of Hindus.
The complainant, Faizan Ansari, has submitted a written representation to Mumbai Police Commissioner Deven Bharti, demanding the immediate registration of an FIR against the MP and appropriate legal action.
Kirti Azad triggered a political controversy earlier this week after questioning the reverence accorded to Lord Ram and stating that he would not visit temples dedicated to the deity, citing the treatment of Goddess Sita.
Speaking to IANS, Ansari described Azad's remarks as objectionable and unacceptable, saying they had insulted not only Lord Ram but also the entire Hindu community.
"Recently, former Indian cricketer and politician Kirti Azad made a very objectionable statement insulting Lord Ram, which is completely unacceptable. I am a practising Muslim, but honestly speaking, I cannot tolerate any insult to Lord Ram," Ansari said.
He said he had submitted a written complaint to Mumbai Police Commissioner Devendra Bharti and also demanded an apology from the Trinamool MP.
Ansari further issued a warning to the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), demanding that the honours and positions previously conferred on the former cricketer be withdrawn, failing which, he said, there would be consequences.
He added that protests would be organised against Azad if he failed to apologise to the Hindu community. Ansari maintained that offensive remarks concerning religious beliefs should not be ignored.
"Today, despite being a Muslim, I am standing up for the Hindu community. I believe that Hindus will also stand up for Muslims whenever required," he said.
Earlier, defending his position, Azad had questioned why Lord Ram was given exclusive reverence among the numerous deities worshipped in the country. He also expressed his displeasure over Lord Ram sending Goddess Sita away despite her undergoing the Agni Pariksha.
Azad said he would not visit temples dedicated to Lord Ram because he regarded Goddess Sita as his mother and belonged to Mithila, her birthplace.
He also questioned the description of Lord Ram as 'Maryada Purushottam', referring to Sita's exile along with her two young sons despite having undergone the Agni Pariksha.
The former cricketer said he worshipped Goddess Kali and visited temples such as Kamakhya, Dakshina Kali, Kalighat and the Kali temple at Gol Market in Delhi.
He maintained that his devotion to Goddess Kali and his views on the treatment of Sita did not make him any less Hindu.