Bhopal, May 1 -- A fresh political controversy has erupted in Madhya Pradesh after BJP Member of Parliament Alok Sharma made provocative, religion-charged remarks during a public address in Bhopal, triggering outrage from opposition parties and civil society. The comments - delivered in the context of an alleged 'Love Jihad' case - have intensified communal tensions and drawn comparisons to a broader pattern of polarizing rhetoric ahead of political mobilisation in the state.
Addressing a local gathering on Wednesday, Sharma said, "If any Miyan (Muslim) has the courage, let him try Love Jihad now. I was born to confront those with beards and skull caps." He further claimed that Brahmin girls were being systematically targeted and warned th...