MNS still aggressive. Not ready to accept the clarification.
Mumbai: The row over controversial statement by AIMIM leader and former MLA Waris Pathan appears to be far from ending anytime soon, as Maharashtra Navnirman Sena is not willing to stand down despite Pathan taking back his words. After facing nationwide backlash from all quarters of the society, Pathan addressed media in Mumbai on Saturday to clarify his position. While he took back the words, he did not apologise for the provocative statement.
Speaking at anti CAA – NRC rally at Gulbarga in Karnataka, Pathan had said, “It is just our women who have come on streets and you started feeling heat. Imagine, what would happen if our men came on streets. Let me tell you, 15 Crore Muslims would dominate 100 (Crore Hindus).” The statement was picked up by political parties as well as social institutions and intellectuals from Hindu and Muslim communities. Everyone slammed Pathan and AIMIM chief Asaduddin Owaisi, alleging it to be divisive and intended to create religious rift in the country.
After the backlash and nationwide criticism, AIMIM and Pathan were pushed on back foot. As a result of mounting pressure and fear of legal action, Pathan, along with Aurangabad MP Imtiyaz Jaleel addressed the media in Mumbai on Saturday to clarify his stand.
Speaking with media, Pathan said, “I am being portrayed as communal on the basis of misinterpretation of my statement at the rally. I was referring to around 100 people backed by RSS who are standing against protesting Muslims. I never meant 100 Cr Hindus. I am a true Indian Muslim and I love my motherland. If my words have hurt the sentiments of anyone, I take back the words.” When asked, whether he would apologise for the controversial statement, Pathan and Jaleel left without answering the question. Jalil said, “I think Waris Pathan has made himself clear on the issue. We put an end to it from our side.”
The clarification seems to have not gone down well with MNS which had been vehemently demanding arrest of and legal action against Pathan. MNS leader Sandip Deshpande said, “We are not ready to accept the clarification. Such anti national tendencies need to be eliminated firmly. The place of people like Waris Pathan is behind the bars. They should not be allowed to move around freely in the society.”
