The BJP leader asked the government whether it can provide jobs to the non resident Indians (NRIs) if Muslim countries start sending them back in an act of vengeance.

NEW DELHI – Breaking his silence the shabby treatment meted to Muslims of the state, a senior BJP leader and a member of Karnataka Legislative Council (MLC) H Vishwanath called into question his own government’s dubious record in the relationship with the community.

In this context, the BJP MLC asked the government whether it can provide jobs to the non resident Indians (NRIs) if Muslim countries start sending them back with vengeance.

Coming as it does at a time when Muslim businessmen are barred by Hindu groups from setting up stalls in and around temple premises and on Hindu fairs, a video clip of Vishwanath passing such scathing remark viral on social media serves as a mirror on the ruling BJP.

The state government has thrown its lot behind the fringe elements advocating the discriminatory approach citing a law on religious places.

The trend which started in coastal districts and state capital Bengaluru has made its way into Hassan, Tumakuru, Chikkamagalur and Shivamogga districts.

“If Muslim countries start sending our employed citizens back to India, are you going to provide them jobs? Muslims who have stayed back in India during Partition are citizens of India. Stopping Muslims from opening shops at places is a sorry state of affair,” Vishwanath said, adding it was dangerous to use religion to gain power. How long one can survive using religious politics, the MLC asks.

H Vishwanath is a nominated member of the state legislative council, formerly president of the Karnataka unit of JD (S). Earlier, he served as a minister.