Controversial Remarks Ignite Tensions in Bihar

A Bihar cleric, Maulana Abdul Salim, faces legal action for allegedly making objectionable remarks about Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath's mother. The remarks, made during a religious gathering, sparked protests and an FIR was filed. Authorities are investigating, with potential further legal action pending.

A cleric from Bihar is facing legal challenges after allegedly making disparaging remarks about the mother of Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, according to police reports released on Monday. The incident led to a First Information Report (FIR) against Maulana Abdul Salim, filed on March 7, at Balrampur's Nagar Kotwali police station.

The complaint by district BJP president Ravi Mishra, corroborated by Superintendent of Police Vikas Kumar, accuses Salim of making the comments during a religious gathering. Mishra claims the cleric also attempted to rile up the minority community against cow slaughter laws, angering BJP workers and the Hindu community, and posing a threat to social unity.

Responding to the incident, protests erupted across Bihar, notably in Balrampur and Lucknow, where demonstrators demanded stringent actions against Salim. Gorakhpur MP Ravi Kishan condemned the cleric's statements as an affront to Indian cultural values, especially regarding attitudes towards women and mothers. The police have launched an investigation to unearth more facts.

(With inputs from agencies.)