A senior Congress chief from Karnataka stated the phrase ‘Hindu’ is Persian and has “a horrible” and shameful that means. The newest spherical of controversy was stirred by Satish Jarkiholi, the working president of Karnataka Congress.

Stating that there ought to a correct debate over the difficulty, Jarkiholi stated “a word and a religion from elsewhere is being forcefully imposed on people here”.

“They speak about Hindu Dharm…this that, where did the Hindu word come from? Is it ours? It is Persian. Persian is from Iran, Iraq, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan. What is Bharat’s relationship with it? Then, how did Hindu become yours? There should be a debate on this,” the Yamakanmardi MLA stated.

According to a PTI report, Jarkiholi made the remarks whereas addressing a gathering, organised by ‘Manav Bandhutva Vedike’ on Sunday at Nipani in Belgaum district.

“Look at ‘Wikipedia’, WhatsApp, where this word (Hindu) comes from? It is not yours. Then why are you placing it at such a high position? If you understand its meaning, you will be ashamed. The meaning of the word Hindu, is very dirty. I’m not saying this, Swamiji has said this, it is there on websites,” the Congress chief added.

Soon after, the All India Congress Committee (AICC) termed it deeply unlucky and rejected it “unequivocally”. AICC basic Ssecretary in-charge of Karnataka, Randeep Singh Surjewala, stated “the statement attributed to Satish Jarkiholi is deeply unfortunate and deserves to be rejected. We condemn it unequivocally.”

In a tweet, the Rajya Sabha MP stated, “Hinduism is a way of life and a civilisational reality. Congress built our nation to respect every religion, belief and faith. This is the essence of India.”

BJP chief S Prakash stated it’s unlucky that Congress leaders have the benefit of insulting Hindus. “They always attack the majority community. Jarkiholi is following the footsteps of Siddaramaiah. Earlier it was him, now it’s his followers. Party should take action against him,” Prakash was quoted as saying by information company ANI.

(With inputs from businesses)