Damage Control : Under Fire For Party Spokesperson Nupur Sharma’s Comments On Prophet Muhammad ; BJP Says It Respects All Religions And Slams Insult To Religious Personality

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Seeking to defuse a row over controversial comments allegedly made by its spokesperson against Prophet Muhammad , the Bharatiya Janata Party asserted on Sunday that it respects all religions and strongly denounces insult of any religious personality.

Amid a row over remarks of BJP spokesperson Nupur Sharma, party general secretary Arun Singh said in a statement that the party is strongly against any ideology which insults or demeans any sect or religion. The BJP does not promote such people or philosophy, he said.

The BJP statement, however, made no direct mention of any incident or comment. Sharma’s remarks have drawn protests from Muslim groups.

Singh said, “During the thousands of years of history of India every religion has blossomed and flourished. The Bharatiya Janata Party respects all religions. The BJP strongly denounces insult of any religious personalities of any religion.”

Meanwhile , The Uttar Pradesh Police has booked over 800 people, arrested 24, including the suspected mastermind, and detained 12 for questioning in connection with rioting and violence in Kanpur, officials said.

Reacting to the BJP stance , Congress spokesperson Dr. Shama Mohamed in a tweet wrote, BJP issues a press release saying it denounces insult of any religion. Then why didn’t PM Modi condemn the call for the genocide of Muslims made at the Haridwar Dharma Sansad? Why hasn’t BJP taken action against spokesperson Nupur Sharma for insulting the Prophet!