The timing of BJP MP Tejasvi Surya's communal remarks. And a U turn
BJP’s youngest MP Tejasvi Surya ignited controversy over a speech he gave on December 25 (yes, on Christmas). At Udupi Sri Krishna Mutt in Karnataka, he said that temples should have ‘yearly targets’ to reconvert people who’ve left the Hindu religion. He even said that during festivals, the temples should have special targets of 'bringing back' those who left the Hindu religion for whatever reasons over the course of history.
#WATCH Only option left for Hindus is to reconvert all those people who've gone out of the Hindu fold...those who've left their mother religion must be brought back.. My request is that every temple,mutt should've yearly targets for this:BJP MP Tejasvi Surya at an event on 25 Dec pic.twitter.com/8drw0lfKAh
— ANI (@ANI) December 27, 2021
The speech went viral on social media. Some outraged over his communal remarks, others celebrated it. Such vicious inciteful remarks are not a first and are common for the young MP. In fact, in another tweet, Surya quoted Swami Vivekananda, calling people who leave the Hindu religion as ‘one more enemy’. Does this mean he’s referring to non-Hindus as an enemy?
‘Every man going out of the Hindu pale is not only a man less, but an enemy more’ - Swami Vivekananda Congratulations to Sri @BSBommai Ji for bringing in the Anti-Conversion Law in Karnataka.
— Tejasvi Surya (@Tejasvi_Surya) December 21, 2021
However, this time, Tejasvi Surya apologised for his remarks. He ‘unconditionally’ withdrew the statements that ‘regrettably’ created ‘an avoidable controversy’.
At a program held in Udupi Sri Krishna Mutt two days ago, I spoke on the subject of ‘Hindu Revival in Bharat’. Certain statements from my speech has regrettably created an avoidable controversy. I therefore unconditionally withdraw the statements.
— Tejasvi Surya (@Tejasvi_Surya) December 27, 2021
But netizens aren’t buying into the apology. Some said that the apology is not sincere. Some also pointed out that the apology did not help undo the damage done by his remarks, since the video is already going viral.
Truth remains that he will harbor these feelings even if he has withdrawn his statements. Is there any guarantee that the hate being spread by a well followed MP like @Tejasvi_Surya will stop with this apology? The video is already out there being circulated like wildfire. https://t.co/LBk9TEfN3T
— ????????? (@ElShabazzz) December 27, 2021
You may claim to withdrawing the statement! but the Venom you Spewed will continue to be viral and can't be withdrawn so easily Mr. @Tejasvi_Surya https://t.co/2lsioO8wMF
— Prathap ಕಣಗಾಲ್ (@Kanagalogy) December 27, 2021
Others felt that he shouldn’t have apologised for his statements and that they completely supported his statements. Some of these supporters belonged to the BJP party.
I understand the compulsion under which he is withdrawing the statement. But , @Tejasvi_Surya , my young leader , your message is conveyed to a large audience. Especially a much needed expectation is set for the religious heads, temples. Thanks again.
— #shalini ?? (@Shaliniviews) December 27, 2021
No Regret ,No Repentance, No Sorrow, No Grief. Full support to @Tejasvi_Surya#TejasviSurya
— Ajay Sehrawat (@IamAjaySehrawat) December 27, 2021
I don't think you had to apologize for the statement @Tejasvi_Surya. There was nothing inflammatory . A lot of us like your unapologetic attitude. Keep up with that always.But the larger plan should be getting temples out of govt control. That's more than enough. https://t.co/rU087gnfpn
— krithika sivaswamy (@krithikasivasw) December 27, 2021
Then there were some who called out Tejasvi Surya to focus on ‘real’ governance instead of playing divisive communal politics.
Dear #TejasviSurya yearly targets should be with employment, poverty eradication, better infrastructure, healthcare etc. #TejasviIsTheMaleKangana. https://t.co/0LAqfQflxj
— Rohit Sequeira (@rohitsequeira) December 27, 2021
Have you ever heard @Tejasvi_Surya talking about Human welfare, Unemployment,Healthcare, Education, Women safety, science, technology and development? https://t.co/0Daz7PGQqc
— St . Sinner. (@retheeshraj10) December 27, 2021
Perhaps, they are right. And instead of suggesting ‘yearly targets’ for ‘reconverting’ people to a certain religious faith, Tejasvi Surya and his government can set yearly targets for achieving some much-needed policies – like job creation, building better infrastructure from hospitals to roads.
Bengaluru, where Tejasvi Surya comes from, is infamous for its pothole-ridden roads.
THE TIMING
The timing of Tejasvi Surya’s comments and apology cannot be ignored at all.
First, it comes at a time when the BJP-led Karnataka government has passed an anti-conversion bill in the Assembly. The bill seeks to criminalise religious conversions taking place by use of misrepresentation, force, undue influence, coercion, allurement or by any fraudulent means or by marriage.
Second, hate crimes against minorities have been rising in Karnataka. Extremist right wing groups attacking Christians during prayers, setting their religious books on fire, threatening Christmas celebrations, etc., have been making headlines since November.
A fact-finding report by civil society organisations, the United Christian Forum (UCF), Association for Protection of Civil Rights (APCR), and United Against Hate claimed that attacks on the Christian community in Karnataka increased after the state government proposed an anti-conversion law.
At least 5 incidents were reported between October and mid-November alone, the report said. According to the People’s Union for Civil Liberties (PUCL), a human rights body, there were at least 39 attacks till November this year.
Third, BJP is gearing up for elections in the neighbouring state of Goa, where Christians are second in majority after Hindus. The Indian Express reported quoting sources that the reason behind Tejasvi Surya’s apology is due to Goa elections. It is also likely to be a first.
Fourth, the BJP-led government at the Centre courted international attention after Hindu seers at a religious conclave in Uttarakhand made communally charged and violent speeches. Tejasvi Surya’s speech also comes on the heels of the Haridwar hate speech row.
Tejasvi's timing seems to have been all wrong. His apology, however, seems timed well.