Sakshi Maharaj stirs row over graveyards for Muslims; RJD, CPI demand action against 'communal' remark

A day after Sakshi Maharaj stirred up a controversy courtesy his 'Kabristaan' remark, Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) chief Lalu Prasad Yadav while questioning his character demanded a thorough probe against the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) MP.

"Sakshi Maharaj is a very controversial man. His character is not good, he should be investigated," Lalu told media.

The RJD supremo further said that the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leaders have derailed from the right track.

Echoing similar views, Communist Party of India (CPI) leader D. Raja dubbed Maharaj's statement as "communal and provocative" against the Muslims, adding that the Election Commission should initiate an action into the same.

"Sakshi Maharaj is known for making such absurd statements. Prime Minister Narendra Modi is totally failing to uphold the Constitution of the country and all BJP leaders including Sakshi Maharaj," Raja told ANI.

Raja further questioned Prime Minister Modi as to whether he backs the statements made by his party leaders.

"I would like to ask the Prime Minister that is he endorsing the statement made by his leaders because he is not uttering a single word and keeping quiet," he said.

Sakshi Maharaj, who is known for making controversial statements had said that a law should be enforced to stop the construction of Kabristaans (graveyards) and Muslims should also be cremated since there is not enough land for graveyards.

"Whether it is named Kabristaan (graveyard) or Shamshaan (crematoriums), nobody needs to be buried. There are 2-2.5 crore Hindu saints in this country who should have a memorial after their death. That will require land. There are 20 crore Muslims, all of them need a grave. Where is the land in Hindustan?" he said while addressing a public rally in Unnao.

Earlier this month, Prime Minister Modi while addressing elections rally in Fatehpur raised the issue of Kabristaan and Shamshaan, saying that there should not be any discrimination in the allotment of land for both.

"If you create Kabristaan in a village, then a Shamshaan should also be created. If there is uninterrupted electricity in Ramzan, it should also be given during Diwali. There should be no discrimination," he said.