Patna, March 2: There seems to be trouble for Bihar Excise and Prohibition Minister Abdul Jalil Mastan, who was caught on camera for using abusive language against Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Bharatiya Janata Party leader Nitin Naveen has lodged an FIR against Mastan a day after the minister apologised for the video.
The BJP has also been demanding the resignation of Mastan over his remarks against the Prime Minister. BJP leaders have said that Mastan has had a history of controversial statements and actions that would have landed anyone else in jail. BJP leader Sushil Kumar Modi on Tuesday said the party would raise the issue in both Houses of Bihar Assembly demanding the removal of Mastan. “One can have ideological difference. But, the Constitution does not allow a person, who is a minister in a state, to incite a crowd and to humiliate a Prime Minister in this manner,” Sushil Modi said.
On Wednesday, Mastan had apologised after he was caught on camera asking his supporters to beat up a picture of Prime Minister Narendra Modi with shoes. “I apologise if my statement or statements of my people have hurt anyone,” Mastan said on Wednesday.
In a video that went viral, Mastan was heard calling PM Modi a ‘naxalite’ and a ‘dacoit’. The video showed Mastan inciting his supporters following which his supporters beat up a picture of Prime Minister Narendra Modi with slippers and also hurling verbal abuses on him.
The video was reportedly shot on February 22 during a protest rally against demonetisation in Purnia district. Mastan was heard calling Modi a ‘dacoit’ for ‘stealing people’s money’ after demonetisation.
Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar had denounced Mastan for his statements, saying they were wrong. “This is wrong,” Kumar had said when asked about his reaction on the video.
The Congress, too, had expressed regret over Bihar minister’s video. State Congress President and Education Minister Ashok Choudhary had said that those in public life should mind what they speak in public.
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