Karnataka: Waris Pathan speech against anti-CAA draws flak

AIMIM leader Waris Pathan's speech against anti-CAA in Kalaburgi of Karnataka on February 16 has triggered controversy after a video of speech became viral. Pathan saying that 15 crores Muslims can be heavy on 100 crores has received backlash from other parties which said that it will only lead to a dispute between Hindus and Muslims which is dangerous to the country.

"They tell us that we have kept our women in the front, only the lionesses have come out&you're already sweating. You can understand what would happen if all of us come together," Pathan said.

However, after his speech sparked controversy, he gave a statement on media reports which said, "I hereby wish to state that the media reports on TV channels showing my statement made in the public meeting at Gulbarga five days back has totally been quoted out of context. I hereby wish to reiterate that I can never say anything intentionally or unintentionally that hurts the sentiments of any caste, community or gender. I am a proud Indian and respects the plurality of this country. But yes I am angry just like many other Indians, who believe in the constitution of this country, the sheer neglect by the govt in addressing the issues concerning CAA/NRC and NPA against which people have been protesting across the country in a democratic way. Neither me nor my party supports anything that creates a divide between people on the basis of caste, creed and religion."

Meanwhile, it is learned that the AIMIM party has restricted Pathan from giving statements to the media until the party decides the situation.