Christians did not contribute to freedom struggle: BJP MP

mumbai — Mumbai Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) MP Gopal Shetty has stoked up a controversy by saying that Christians are ‘angrez’ (British) and did not contribute to the Indian freedom struggle.

Though the senior most city leader made the remarks last Sunday at an Eid Milan function in Malad suburb, videos of his speech surfaced only on Thursday and went viral.

Among other things, the Mumbai North MP said: “Christians were ‘angrez’, hence they didn’t join in the Indian freedom struggle. India was not freed by a Hindu or a Muslim, we fought as one for our Independence.”

Sharply criticising Shetty, Maharashtra Congress President Ashok Chavan said: “It reflects despicably communal mindset of the BJP. Freedom

Christians were ‘angrez’, hence they didn’t join in the Indian freedom struggle. India was not freed by a Hindu or a Muslim, we fought as one for our Independence.

Gopal Shetty, BJP MP

struggle is the epitome of sacrifices made by all communities including Christians. Shetty must know that only RSS was in support of the British.” Condemning the “anti-minority remarks”, Mumbai Congress President Sanjay Nirupam demanded that Shetty must tender “an apology to the entire

Christian community of India as he has no knowledge of history or the contribution of the Christians in the independence movement”.

On Friday, All India Mahila Congress General Secretary Janet Desouza and Mumbai Mahila Congress President Ajanta Yadav held a protest outside Shetty’s office.

Two Christian residents from Malad — Mavis Fernandes and Jerard Lobo — submitted a written complaint against Shetty to police in Malvani, demanding action against the MP for promoting enmity between communities.

Malvani Congress legislator Aslam Shaikh pointed out that though small in numbers, the Christian community contributed significantly to the freedom struggle and also in nation building. — IANS