Jharkhand Minister Irfan Ansari Responds to Nishikant Dubey, Suggests He Move to California

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Political controversy in Jharkhand over Dubey's remarks.
- Ansari defends the significance of Ramzan and Chhath Mahaparva.
- Criticism of Dubey's social media activity.
- Call for equal treatment for all religions by political leaders.
- Response to accusations of religious favoritism.
Ranchi, March 3 (NationPress) A political uproar has unfolded in Jharkhand following BJP MP Nishikant Dubey’s controversial assertion labeling the state an "Islamic state".
State Health Minister and Congress figure Irfan Ansari criticized Dubey's statement, suggesting he should run for office in California rather than India.
"Ramzan is a sacred month, and the manner in which Nishikant Dubey is addressing it is inappropriate," Ansari remarked on Monday.
"Just as Chhath Mahaparva holds significance for Hindus, Ramzan is equally important for Muslims," he emphasized.
Ansari further denounced Dubey’s ongoing social media activity, stating, "We typically disregard his comments, but this time he has touched on a delicate topic, which is unacceptable."
Mocking Dubey’s intellectual capacity, he quipped, "If he views himself as an educated individual, he should aspire to be an MP from California, not India."
Earlier in the day, Dubey, the BJP MP from Godda, ignited controversy by posting on social media about the Jharkhand government's alleged decision to designate Friday as a holiday instead of Sunday in Urdu schools and to offer special exemptions to Muslim employees during Ramzan. "Jharkhand has now turned into an 'Islamic state,'" he asserted.
“A holiday on Friday rather than Sunday. The Jharkhand government is eager to settle Bangladeshi infiltrators in the state,” Dubey claimed in a post on X on Monday.
Senior BJP leader and MLA C.P. Singh supported Dubey, asserting, "Ramzan is a holy month, yet no government should engage in religious discrimination during any festival."
In a statement to the press on Monday, he called for equal treatment across all faiths. "Holi is upcoming -- Hindu employees should also be granted special exemptions by the government," he stated.
Accusing the government of bias, Singh noted, "This government favours one community. They will do anything for votes and show a clear disregard for Sanatan Dharma."
In response to Irfan Ansari’s suggestion about Dubey relocating to California, CP Singh retorted, "Then Ansari should consider becoming an MLA in Pakistan -- but even there, he’d be considered a Mohajir."