BJP’s controversial three-time Goshamahal MLA T. Raja Singh has once again ignited controversy by threatening another comedian Daniel Fernandes demanding the cancellation of his upcoming show at Banjara Hills in Hyderabad.
The MLA’s call for cancellation stems from Fernandes’ comedic commentary on a recent incident where members of the Jain community dress as Muslims to protest the sale of goats for Bakrid sacrifice.
It may be recalled in the samilar way in August, 2022, Raja Singh was taken into preventive custody by the Hyderabad police while heading towards Shilpakala Vedika to where stand-up comedian Munawar Faruqui was set to perform the following day. Singh’s intention was reportedly to disrupt the event by burning down the set.
The comments in this connection led to uproar and the BJP national leadership was forced to suspend him from the party. This had resulted in removing him as Legislature Party leader of the party. His suspension was revoked by the party only last year during Assembly elections, that facilitated him to contest again as party candidate.
Expecting that his suspension may not be revoked, a prominent young leader prepared to contest from his constituency as BJP candidate with the support of the party top leadership in Telangana.
In a video statement that is going viral on social media platforms, Singh issued a stern warning to Fernandes, stating, “I want to tell Daniel to cancel his show at Banjara Hills which is scheduled for today”.
In this video statement, he further threatened stating “If not, remember, our karyakartas will throw so many chappals at you that you will have to think 50 times to visit Telangana or Hyderabad again. I would also request the police commissioner to cancel his show. Otherwise, he will get beaten up badly by our members.”
However, in response to the backlash from certain communities, Fernandes issued an apology via Instagram to members of the Jain community who may have been offended by his jokes. Expressing regret for any hurt caused, Fernandes emphasized his intent to entertain and expressed hope for reconciliation and mutual understanding.
“Forgiveness is one of the many beautiful traits your community espouses, so I hope that we can put this behind us and move on in peace and enlightenment”, Daniel added.