A significant uproar unfolded in Parliament when BJP MP Ramesh Bidhuri made offensive remarks targeting Muslim MP Danish Ali (BSP) during a discussion on the “success of Chandrayaan.” Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla issued a stern warning of “severe action” against Bidhuri, and the offensive comments were expunged from the records.

In a video, Bidhuri can be seen repeatedly hurling insults and Islamophobic slurs at Danish Ali while making his point. Danish Ali, in response, wrote a letter to the Speaker expressing his disappointment that such an incident occurred in the new Parliament building under Birla’s leadership, especially considering his status as a minority member of the nation and an MP.

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Opposition leaders strongly criticized Bidhuri’s behavior and demanded significant action against him, including suspension or arrest. Defense Minister Rajnath Singh expressed regret in the House, stating, “I express regret if the opposition is hurt by the remarks made by the member.”

However, the opposition deemed the apology insufficient and insisted on stricter measures against Bidhuri. Congress leader Jairam Ramesh labeled it an insult to parliament and called for the “strictest possible action” against the BJP MP. They also pointed out the contrast with a previous incident where their Lok Sabha leader was suspended for allegedly “insulting ministers.”

The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) questioned BJP’s cultural values, highlighting the disturbing incident in Parliament as the “darkest day in the history of parliament.” RJD MP Manoj Jha expressed his sadness at the communal slur used by the BJP MP.

Various political leaders and parties, including the CPI (M) and National Conference leader Omar Abdullah, condemned Bidhuri’s offensive language, with some demanding his arrest. Harsh Vardhan, a former Union Minister, distanced himself from the controversy, explaining that he could not clearly hear what was being said amidst the chaos in the House.