Shashi Tharoor throws ‘Taliban in Hinduism’ jibe at BJP

After “Hindu Pak” jibe, Tharoor wonders if Talibanisation has started in Hinduism

Thiruvananthapuram, Jul 18 (PTI) Days after the walls of his office here were defaced by BJP youth wing members, Congress leader Shashi Tharoor has wondered whether “Talibanisation of Hinduism” has started.

Tharoor had recently courted a huge controversy with remarks that the BJP, if voted to power again, will rewrite the Constitution and pave the way for creation of a “Hindu Pakistan”.

“They are asking me to go to Pakistan. Who has given them the right to decide that I am not a Hindu like them and so I cannot live in India?

“The BJP’s talk of ‘Hindu Rashtra’ is really dangerous and will destroy this nation. Has Talibanisation started in Hinduism?” the Congress MP from Thiruvananthapuram told workers of Kerala’s opposition United Democratic Front (UDF) at a protest march against alleged neglect of the state by the Centre yesterday.

Members of the BJP’s youth wing– Bhartiya Janata Yuva Morcha (BJYM)– had defaced Tharoor’s office on Monday while demanding an apology for his “Hindu Pakistan” comments.

The Congress had distanced itself from his comments and cautioned its leaders to choose words carefully while rejecting the saffron party’s “hatred”.

Five BJYM workers were arrested and released on bail yesterday in connection with the incident of vandalism at Tharoor’s office.

BJP workers had shown black flags to the former Union minister yesterday.