Religious bigotry is nothing new to this country. But in the last few years, it has been at its very worst. A couple of days ago, a man asked Zomato to cancel his order because the rider was Muslim.
Yesterday, Ajay Gautam, founder of a Hindu right-wing organisation ‘Hum Hindu’ covered his eyes on Live TV during a news debate so that he didn’t have to see a Muslim news anchor.
According to The Quint, the website of his organisation states that its sole objective is ‘complete Swaraj, absolute Hindu Rashtra’.
You can watch the video here:
Hindu leader Ajay Gautam was on a debate show & covered his eyes so he didn’t have to see Khalid, a Muslim news presenter.
— omer (@intellectroll) August 1, 2019
This is NOT SATIRE!
This is the state of national TV in #India in 2019. pic.twitter.com/lxqYzhxjMu
This prompted some very sharp responses from Twitter.
TV Panelist, a so-called representative of Hindus, refuses to even see the face of a Muslim broadcaster! This is New India. #StopLynchings https://t.co/52YFjM7UFB
— Ashok Swain (@ashoswai) August 1, 2019
Gandhi is Dead – This is Godse’s India! pic.twitter.com/CFWrGBwLWH
— Ashok Swain (@ashoswai) August 1, 2019
Hindu Leader?! I’m a Hindu and have never heard of this imbecile called Ajay Gautam. https://t.co/n0TaYwNmAY
— Brijesh Kalappa (@brijeshkalappa) August 2, 2019
Wthhh. They aren’t even pretending anymore.
— Fehmeen (@fanwar28) August 1, 2019
This needs to make headlines world over! This level of islamophobia needs to be exposed.
— Amena (@Fashionopolis) August 2, 2019
Later the editor-in-Chief of News24, Anurradha Prasad also took to Twitter and condemned the behaviour.
we at the newsroom of @news24tvchannel are in shock at the inappropriate & condemnable behaviour of Mr Ajay Gautam . Ethics of journalism do not allow to give platform to such devisive voices & gestures . @news24tvchannel has decided not to invite Mr Ajay Gautam to its studio .
— Anurradha Prasad (@anurradhaprasad) August 1, 2019
Gautam is yet to respond to the criticism he is receiving due to his behaviour on Live TV.
