Union Minister Giriraj Singh sparked controversy at a Bihar election rally in Arwal by referring to some Muslims as "namak haraams" (betrayers). He stated that Muslims benefit from government schemes like Ayushman Bharat but do not reciprocate by voting for the BJP. Singh shared an anecdote about asking a Muslim cleric if he voted for him, to which the cleric initially said yes but denied it when asked to swear on God. Singh said he told the cleric that he did not want votes from such "namak haraams"
The remarks drew sharp criticism not only from opposition parties like the RJD but also from the BJP's ally JD(U). JD(U) spokesperson Neeraj Kumar condemned the remark, saying Singh's comments contradicted Prime Minister Narendra Modi's slogan "sabka saath, sabka vikas" (together with all, growth for all). JD(U) emphasized that government welfare schemes are distributed fairly without discrimination regardless of vote support. The party urged Singh to align with constitutional values and Modi's inclusive development vision.
Political leaders outside JD(U), such as Jitan Ram Manjhi of the Hindustani Awam Morcha (Secular), also rebuked Singh’s divisive language, calling it inappropriate to label any community as "namak haraam," and stressed the importance of development over caste or communal politics.
In summary, Giriraj Singh's comment has ignited political controversy, exposing rifts within the NDA alliance ahead of the Bihar elections, with his own ally JD(U) publicly criticizing him, while opposition parties have accused the BJP of communal polarization through such rhetoric.
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