Senior Congress leader and working president of the party’s Karnataka unit Satish Jarkiholi has stirred yet another controversy by claiming that ‘Hindu’ is a ‘vulgar’ word and does not have its origins in India.
“The word Hindu, where did it originate from? Is it ours? It’s Persian, from the region of Iran, Iraq, Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan. What is the connection of the word Hindu with India? Then how can you accept it? This should be debated,” he said.
Jarkiholi, a sitting legislator from Yamakanmardi assembly constituency in Belgaum district, was speaking at Nippani during an event organised by “Manav Bandhutva Vedike” on Sunday.
Jarkiholi cited Wikipedia and Whatsapp as a source for his claim.
“Look at ‘Wikipedia’, 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’s on websites.” he added.
#WATCH| “Where has ‘Hindu’ term come from?It’s come from Persia…So, what is its relation with India? How’s ‘Hindu’ yours? Check on WhatsApp, Wikipedia, term isn’t yours. Why do you want to put it on a pedestal?…Its meaning is horrible:KPCC Working Pres Satish Jarkiholi (6.11) pic.twitter.com/7AMaXEKyD9
— ANI (@ANI) November 7, 2022
In an attempt at quick damage control, AICC General Secretary in-charge of Karnataka, Randeep Singh Surjewala said that “the statement attributed to Satish Jarkiholi is deeply unfortunate and deserves to be rejected. We condemn it unequivocally.”
“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,” he said in a tweet.
Source: Swarajya