The ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader allegedly refused to give three blankets to Muslim women at a blanket distribution event to the needy at Karad in Rajasthan’s Tonk after learning about their religious identity, alleging that those who “mistreat” Prime Minister Narendra Modi have no right to receive them.
In a video that surfaced on social media on Monday morning, Sukhbir Singh Gunapuria, two-time former MP from Tonk Sawai Madhopur, was allegedly heard asking the name of one of the Muslim women who had been given a blanket. When Sukaran Khan answered, Gunapuria asked her to return the blanket.
Gunapuria is said to be saying: “Those who are abusing Prime Minister Narendra Modi have no right to these blankets. Please move aside. Leave the blanket there.”
He was then allegedly heard asking for the names of two other women, Razia and Zubaida, refusing to give them blankets and telling them to leave.
“He was giving blankets to everyone. But suddenly, he asked his employees to ask for our names. We told him our names. He felt insulted because we are Muslims. He immediately took back our blankets,” Sukaran Khan told reporters.
In another video, some people were allegedly seen objecting to Gonapuria’s behaviour. One of them said to him: “Aren’t you ashamed? You refused to give blankets to these old women? There are only three or four of them left.”
Gunapuria doubled down on his message and was allegedly heard replying: “It doesn’t matter if you feel bad. They will take the blanket and later boast that they cheated us. Why are you arguing? There is no need for any argument. This is not a government plan. These are personal arrangements.” Jaunapuria did not respond to HT’s request for comment.
Congress leader Tikaram Jolly described Gonapuria’s behavior as shameful. “He insulted these Muslim women. First, he distributed blankets and then took them back. He also scolded the local villagers when they opposed this. These villagers strongly objected to his actions. This is really shameful for a government employee who was also a member of Parliament.” [member of Parliament]”.
