New Delhi, Aug 9 (IANS) A controversial remark by former Samajwadi Party MP, ST Hasan, on the recent Uttarkashi cloudburst has sparked sharp criticism from BJP leaders, who have condemned the statement as divisive, baseless, and politically-motivated.

Reacting strongly, BJP MP Praveen Khandelwal said Hasan’s statement was “completely baseless” and an attempt to inject communal undertones into a natural calamity.

“What he said is completely baseless. A natural disaster can occur anywhere, and it is absolutely wrong to say that any religion is not being respected. These comments are meant to disturb social harmony.”

Senior BJP leader Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi also condemned the remark.

“Whether it’s Uttarakhand or any other part of the country affected by disasters, people have suffered heavy losses. While the people of the nation are praying for the well-being of those affected, some are busy offering curses. They are giving absurd arguments like, this disaster happened because of one reason or another. What is happening in Palestine? What is happening in Iraq? Why are you giving such illogical arguments?”

UP Minister and Nishad Party chief Sanjay Nishad added: “It is wrong to make such allegations; they are baseless. These are the same people who always do politics even over disasters.”

Earlier, speaking to IANS, ST Hasan had remarked, “In Uttarakhand and Himachal Pradesh, other religions are not being respected. There is someone who governs this world, and when divine justice happens, no one can protect themselves. Bulldozers should not be used on any dargahs or temples. It’s better to evacuate such places peacefully.”

The cloudburst in Uttarkashi has left several people dead, missing, and displaced.

Rescue operations are still underway, with NDRF and SDRF teams deployed in the affected region. While leaders across party lines have extended prayers and condolences, Hasan’s comments have been widely seen as an attempt to communalise a natural tragedy.

–IANS

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