JAMMU, Dec. 9 -- BJP Spokesperson and Convener for International Affairs Gaurav Gupta on Monday delivered a scathing response to National Conference MP Aga Syed Ruhullah Mehdi after the latter declared in Parliament that he would "never" sing Vande Mataram. Gupta said Mehdi's remarks were "deeply alarming" and accused him of carrying a "separatist mindset that has no place in a democratic Parliament."
Gupta said Mehdi's stand reflects a "conscious attempt to distance himself from India's national identity," adding that Indian Muslims have historically stood at the forefront of the freedom struggle and continue to contribute to the nation's progress.
He said, "Indian Muslims fought for the freedom of this country together with everyone els...