Scorpion on Shivalinga remark: Bailable warrant issued against Shashi Tharoor
What's the story
On Tuesday, a Delhi court issued a bailable warrant against Congress leader Shashi Tharoor in connection to a criminal defamation suit filed by BJP leader Rajiv Babbar. The notice was issued by Rouse Avenue Court after the parliamentarian failed to appear for a hearing. The case dates back to 2018 when Tharoor's remarks against Prime Minister Narendra Modi sparked an uproar. Here's what happened.
Beginning
Writer of book on PM made strange reference
The controversy started on October 28, 2018, when Tharoor spoke about his book "The Paradoxical Prime Minister" at Bengaluru Lit Fest. Launching a sharp critique on PM Modi, he said many in RSS, the ideological mentor of BJP, aren't happy that they haven't been able to rein him. Quoting an unnamed RSS member, Tharoor said he likened PM Modi to a "scorpion".
Quote
Take a look at what Tharoor said
"There's an extraordinarily striking metaphor expressed by an unnamed RSS source to a journalist, who expressed their frustration to curb Modi - Modi is like a scorpion sitting on a 'Shivalinga'. You can't remove him with your hand and you cannot hit it with a 'chappal' either," he said.
Reaction
Soon, RS Prasad asked Rahul Gandhi to clarify
Obviously, BJP was quick to slam Tharoor. Union Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad had said the entire nation was watching Congress' conduct. "While Rahul Gandhi who claims himself to be a Shiv Bhakt, one of his small leaders has almost abused sanctity of Shivalinga and Lord Mahadev by referring to chappal attack through named sources," he said, seeking a reply from former party president.
Order
Court has fixed November 27 as next hearing date
When Babbar accused Tharoor of hurting his religious sentiments, the Congress leader was booked under IPC Sections 499 and 500. In the latest hearing, he was fined Rs. 500 by Chief Metropolitan for absenteeism. November 27 was fixed as the next date. "Taking a lenient view, bailable warrant issued against the accused in the sum of Rs. 5,000 and notice to his surety," the court said.