Mumbai | Bhartiya Janta Party (BJP) MP Gopal Shetty on Sunday while addressing a gathering during Eid-e-Milad organised by the Shia Kabrastan Committee at Malad’s Malvani sparked a controversy by stating that Christians did not contribute to the freedom struggle by terming them ‘angrez’ (foreigners).
The BJP MP from Mumbai North further claimed that it was only the Hindus and the Muslims who played a role in India’s freedom struggle. In a circulated video on the Internet, Gopal Shetty is been heard saying that “Christians were British, hence they didn’t participate in India’s freedom struggle. India was not freed by Hindus or Muslims, we fought as one for our independence.”
Reacting to the controversy, Gopal Shetty told media, “My statement has been misrepresented. I have never discriminated against anyone. Still, I have informed state party president about my decision to resign to which he has asked me to meet him.”
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