“Don’t Need Muslim Votes”: BJP MLA’s Remark Sparks Political Storm in UP

• Jagdishpur MLA Suresh Pasi says he neither seeks Muslim votes nor engages with the community
• BJP says the remark reflects personal views, not party ideology
• Congress and Samajwadi Party accuse BJP of promoting communal polarisation
• The video has gone viral, triggering widespread political backlash

GG News Bureau
Amethi, 8th Jan: A fresh political controversy has erupted in Uttar Pradesh after a senior BJP leader was heard in a viral video stating that he does not require Muslim votes and does not engage with the community in their “joys and sorrows.”

Jagdishpur MLA Suresh Pasi was heard saying that he neither visits mosques nor goes to Muslim households to seek votes. “I never visit mosques, have not visited in the past and will neither visit in the future. I do not go to seek votes, nor do I attend their joys and sorrows,” he said, adding that he is “absolutely clear” about his stance.

The remarks quickly drew sharp reactions, forcing the Bharatiya Janata Party to distance itself from the statement.

BJP Amethi district president Sudhanshu Shukla clarified that the party does not endorse such views. “The BJP believes in ‘Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas, Sabka Vishwas’. This is the party’s clear stand. What Suresh Pasi said is his personal opinion,” Shukla said.

The opposition accused the BJP of deliberately polarising voters.

Congress district president Pradeep Singhal alleged that such statements surface whenever elections approach. “They try to pit brother against brother, one religion against another and one caste against another only to secure votes,” he said.

The Samajwadi Party also slammed the remarks, calling them an attempt to spread hatred.
“Creating Hindu-Muslim divisions is the BJP’s politics. For votes, the BJP can go to any extent,” said SP district president Ram Udit Yadav.

The controversy comes amid rising political temperatures in the state as parties gear up for upcoming electoral battles.