BJP suspends Nupur Sharma over remarks on Prophet Muhammad

The BJP high command suspended national spokesperson Nupur Sharma on Sunday over her controversial remarks on Prophet Muhammad during a recent TV debate. The party has also expelled Delhi BJP's media in-charge Naveen Kumar Jindal from primary membership of the party.

In the suspension letter, the party's central disciplinary committee wrote, "You have expressed views contrary to the party's position on various matters... Pending further inquiry, you are suspended from the party and from your responsibilities with immediate effect."

On Friday, violence broke out in Kanpur in Uttar Pradesh on Friday after a Muslim organisation gave a call to shut shops in Parade Market over the remarks made by Nupur Sharma. At least 40 people, including 20 police personnel, were injured during the clashes, the police said.

WHAT DID SHE SAY?

In a TV debate on the ongoing Gyanvapi row, Nupur Sharma is believed to have said that certain things from Islamic religious books could be mocked by people. She said Muslims are mocking the Hindu faith and calling the 'Shivling' claimed to have been found inside the mosque complex a fountain.

Cases have been registered against Nupur Sharma for hurting religious sentiments in Hyderabad, Pune and Mumbai.

BJP DISTANCES ITSELF

Shortly before news of Nupur Sharma's suspension emerged, the BJP released a statement on Sunday saying it respects all religions and strongly denounces insult of any religious personalities.