Amid the controversy over Jinnah’s portrait in AMU, BJP MP Savitri Bai Phule, has termed the founder of Pakistan a ‘mahapurush’,.
She alleged that the Jinnah row was being raked up to divert attention from Dalit issues like poverty, starvation etc.
When asked about the Jinnah controversy, she said “All the ‘mahapurush’ who had contributed to the freedom struggle, irrespective of their caste or community, need to be respected.” Asked if Jinnah was a ‘mahapurush’, she replied, “He was, is, and will always remain a great person.”
“The portrait of such a ‘mahapurush’, wherever it is required, should be installed with respect. Jinnah is respected from the times of freedom struggle. His portrait is installed in the Lok Sabha. His name should be taken with respect,” she said.
Satish Gautam, BJP MP from Aligarh had earlier triggered the controversy after he wrote the letter to AMU vice-chancellor seeking explanation as to why Jinnah’s portrait is still on the walls of the university.
