Ex-BJP MLA's Inflammatory Remarks on Hindu-Muslim Marriages Spark Communal Controversy in Uttar Pradesh

Following a controversy, Singh firmly stood by his controversial statements.

A former BJP MLA from Uttar Pradesh has intensified his controversial stance after creating a stir with his declaration that he would provide employment for any Hindu man who elopes with a Muslim woman. Raghvendra Pratap Singh asserted that Hindus in the state can act without fear.

The Samajwadi Party has condemned these remarks, stating that there are persistent efforts to disturb communal harmony, with Muslims facing continuous insults.

Raghvendra Pratap Singh, previously a BJP MLA from Dumariyaganj in Siddharthnagar district, visited Dhankharpur village in his constituency where allegedly two Hindu women were compelled to marry Muslim men and convert. In a widely circulated video from his October 16 visit, Singh can be heard demanding "10 Muslim women in exchange for" the two Hindu women.

"I will arrange the marriage of any Hindu who elopes with a Muslim girl and also arrange employment for them," Singh declared in his speech.

"This isn't Akhilesh Yadav's time. There's no need to be afraid. We are with you. The issue of Muslim boys marrying two Hindu girls won't end just like that. Instead of two, Hindu youth should bring at least 10 Muslim girls and marry them. I will take care of the rest," he continued.

When questioned about his remarks on Tuesday following the controversy, the former MLA expressed no remorse.

"The Dumariyaganj area used to be called Mini Pakistan. Since Yogi Adityanath became the Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh, the reign of terror of these people has been reined in. Otherwise, there were several villages where Hindus lived in fear, and their daughters and daughters-in-law were not safe. In Dhankharpur village, there is a Muslim majority, and two Hindus were lured away and converted to Islam in a week," he explained.

"I went there and explained to the people that they need to wake up and fight back. There is no need to panic or be afraid. Prepare yourselves. We are with you... I said, 'If two Hindu girls have been taken, then you should go bring ten Muslim girls. We will take full responsibility for the wedding expenses and will also guarantee their security. This is not the era of (Samajwadi Party chief) Akhilesh Yadav or of other parties that practice Muslim appeasement. This is Yogi ji's era. There is no need to be afraid. Do whatever you want, we are with you," he added.

'Mute Spectator'

Condemning the remarks, Samajwadi Party MLA from Dumariyanganj, Saiyada Khatoon, characterized them as part of a deliberate strategy to ignite communal tensions.

"Raghvendra Pratap Singh's statements are an insult to women. They keep insulting and disrespecting Muslims. Are Muslims not citizens of India, did they not lay down their lives for this country's freedom? No action has been taken despite my complaints. The administration is a mute spectator, and it will be responsible if something happens," she stated.