A representational image of the BJP flag.
MUMBAI: A Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) MP from Mumbai North Gopal Shetty has stoked a controversy recently stating Christians did not contribute to the freedom struggle and also called them 'angrez' (foreigners).
The BJP MP also claimed that it was only the Hindus and the Muslims who played a role in India's freedom struggle.
"Christians were British, hence they didn't participate in India's freedom struggle. India was not freed by Hindus or Muslims, we fought as one for our independence," he can be heard as saying in the video.
Shetty made the controversial remark while addressing a gathering during the Eid-e-Milad organized by the Shia Kabrastan Committee at Malad's Malvani here on Sunday.
When asked about the controversial remark he said that his statement has been misinterpreted. But has offered his resignation to the state party president Raosaheb Patil Danve
My statement has been misrepresented. I have never discriminated against anyone.Still, I have informed state party president about my decision to resign to which he has asked me to meet him: BJP MP Gopal Shetty on his "Christians did not contribute to freedom struggle" statement. pic.twitter.com/pjF4rfXb4V
— ANI (@ANI) July 6, 2018
