Rajasthan Assembly Erupts as BJP MLA Calls Congress Whip Rafeek Khan ‘Pakistani’; Sparks Outrage

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Jaipur: A heated confrontation broke out in the Rajasthan Assembly late Friday after BJP MLA Gopal Sharma repeatedly referred to Congress chief whip Rafeek Khan as a “Pakistani”, triggering strong protests from Congress legislators.

The incident occurred during discussions on grants for Urban Development, Housing, and Local Self Government departments when Sharma, representing Civil Lines (Jaipur), made the controversial remarks against Khan, the MLA from Adarsh Nagar (Jaipur).

The exchange began when Khan compared the governance of Congress and BJP, indirectly referencing Sharma and urging the chairperson to “impart” some knowledge to him. In response, Sharma made the offensive remark, leading to an uproar in the House.

As tensions escalated, Assembly chairperson Sandeep Sharma intervened, asking Gopal Sharma to take his seat. However, Leader of Opposition Tika Ram Jully strongly condemned the remarks, stating, “What is this? This is some joke. A man says whatever he wants. It is wrong to hurt someone’s respect and honour in this manner.”

History of Clashes

This is not the first time Sharma has made such comments against Khan. In a Jaipur Municipal Corporation (Heritage) Board meeting last year, Sharma had vowed he “would not let Jaipur become a mini-Pakistan”, leading to a scuffle between party councillors. He had also referred to Khan as “Jaipur ka Jinnah”, drawing sharp criticism.

Khan’s Poetic Response

Despite the inflammatory remarks, Rafeek Khan responded with poetry, stating:
“Un ka jo farz hai vo ahal-e-siyaasat jaanen,
mera paigaam mohabbat hai jahan tak pahunche.”

(The people of politics should know their duty; my message of love should reach wherever it can.)

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