Muslims should not approach her for help, says Maneka Gandhi

Union minister for women and child development Maneka Gandhi found herself in a storm for her purported remark that Muslims should not approach her for help if they do not support her in the polls, reports Times of India.

“I am winning with the help of people. But if my victory comes without the support of Muslims then I will not feel good, it will leave a bitter taste. And then when a Muslim comes for any work, then I will think let it be,” the Union minister is seen telling a group of Muslims in Sultanpur, her new Lok Sabha constituency in a video footage.

"The Election Commission has taken cognisance of the matter. District Magistrate, Sultanpur has issued a show-cause notice to her and a report has been sent to the poll body," said BR Tiwari, additional chief election officer.

Her remark has been twisted out of context, the minister told TOI. “A private TV channel did the mischief.  They took out a portion of my speech while I was addressing the Muslims from my own party’s minority cell and having a general conversation with them,” she said.

"I love Muslims... I only meant to say that I am winning the elections and their participation would be like 'daal pe chaunka' (seasoning)," she said. 

Maneka said she was only telling members of BJP’s minority cell to benefit from the party’s development and welfare schemes.

The Congress termed Gandhi's statement "scandalous". Party leader Randeep Surjewala said should be a strict action and that the minister should be sacked for her remarks and for "dividing people on the basis of caste and community.”

Maneka Gandhi, the lawmaker from Pilibhit, began her campaign from the Sultanpur seat about 10 days ago. The seat is currently held by her son Varun Gandhi. But this election, Varun has shifted back to Pilibhit, a seat he won in 2009. Maneka Gandhi has won the Pilibhit seat six times.