Union Minister Giriraj Singh's Controversial 'Namak Haraam' Comment Ignites Political Debate Ahead of Bihar Elections

Union Minister Giriraj Singh (File)

Union Minister Giriraj Singh has sparked fresh controversy with his pointed remarks against the Muslim community, declaring he does not require votes from those he termed 'namak haraams' or betrayers.

The controversial statement was delivered during a public gathering in Bihar's Arwal district on Saturday.

Singh, who represents Begusarai as a BJP MP, recounted an interaction with a Muslim cleric: "I once asked a 'maulvi' if he possessed an Ayushman Bharat health card, to which he confirmed he did. When I questioned whether these cards were distributed based on religious identity, he acknowledged they were not."

"Upon asking if he had voted for me, he initially claimed yes. However, when challenged to swear by God, he admitted he hadn't. Muslims avail benefits from all central government schemes but withhold their votes from us... Such individuals are called 'namak haraam'. I informed the maulvi that I have no interest in votes from 'namak haraams'," Singh elaborated.

The minister further described asking the cleric whether Prime Minister Narendra Modi had ever spoken disrespectfully to him, receiving a negative response.

"I also inquired if I had personally insulted him, which he denied. I then asked what my offense was that prevented him from voting for me. A person who fails to acknowledge kindness is termed 'namak haraam'," the Union Minister stated.

Singh highlighted the NDA government's extensive infrastructure development in Bihar.

"Roads constructed in Bihar serve everyone, not just NDA leaders and supporters... Bihar has undergone transformation... The NDA government works for all segments of society, yet Muslims consistently refuse to vote for BJP," he remarked.

Responding to Singh's comments, RJD state spokesperson Mrityunjay Tiwary told PTI Videos, "It's common knowledge that BJP leaders cannot discuss anything beyond Hindu-Muslim divisions. They avoid addressing rising unemployment, inflation, or improvements needed in education and healthcare... whenever development topics arise, they pivot to Hindu-Muslim narratives to divert public attention from essential issues."

This outspoken BJP leader has previously generated controversies on multiple occasions with similar provocative statements.

The 243-seat Bihar Assembly elections are scheduled for November 6 and 11, with results to be announced on November 14.