Samajwadi Party leader Naresh Agrawal stirred a hornets’ nest when he quoted a derogatory comment about Hindu deities written on the wall of a wine shop in UP, while participating in a debate on lynching by cow vigilante groups in Rajya Sabha on Wednesday. Clearly, this goes against all canons of parliamentary dignity, and the remark has hurt the sentiments of a large section. The leader of the House in Rajya Sabha Arun Jaitley rightly said, Agrawal should show courage and make a similar remark about icons of other religions and see the consequences. I would request Agrawal and other MPs who have similar inclinations, not to misuse the privileges that have been given to them as members of Parliament.

As for the lynching incidents, on which the debate was going on, there is no doubt that there has been lynching in the name of cow protection, and the image of India has been sullied outside the country. Despite Prime Minister Narendra Modi issuing stern warnings at least thrice against lynching by cow vigilante groups, such incidents are taking place. The problem is: law and order is a state subject and the Centre’s role is limited to sending advisories to the states. But the opposition is targeting Prime Minister Modi on this issue personally, which is unfair.

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