RANCHI, Amidst growing reports of violence against religious minorities in India, a prominent Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) MLA has broadcasted a forewarning to individuals, seemingly targeting Muslims, that they will be assaulted if seen near temples.

According to Kashmir Media Service, Shashi Bhushan Mehta, representing the Panki assembly constituency in Jharkhand, shared this sentiment in a video circulating on social media. Mehta proclaimed, “Should we spot individuals with beards and caps in proximity to temples, reminiscent of our earlier declaration in the Legislative Assembly regarding individuals consuming cow meat found near temples, they’ll face repercussions. Regardless of the aftermath, our response will be chasing and physically confronting them.”

The video clip originates from a public gathering Mehta attended in Panki to commemorate the foundation stone ceremony for a marriage hall during the Durga Puja festivities. Although he refrained from directly naming the Muslim community, the inference was palpable. He alleged that such individuals are attempting to sow discord by taking part in Hindu religious events, stating, “They infringe upon our Hindu feelings, an act we will never condone.”

Mehta added that the topic had been addressed in the Assembly and would similarly be brought to the streets.

The comments drew sharp criticism from political quarters. Both the Congress party and Jharkhand Mukti Morcha fervently censured Mehta’s statement. In response, the Jharkhand Congress unit labeled the remarks as a ploy to disrupt communal peace.

Analysts are interpreting the statement as a manifestation of a larger strategy by the Modi administration to suppress religious minorities in India.