BJP demands MF Hussain's arrest

BJP demanded the painter be arrested and prosecuted for creating disaffection among communities.

Terming MF Hussain's alleged depiction of Hindu deities in the nude as an "insult to the nation", the BJP on Wednesday demanded the painter be immediately arrested and prosecuted for creating "disaffection" among communities.

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"Being a good Muslim. Hussain should know the worldwide reaction over caricatures of the Prophet Mohammad in a Danish newspaper. He too should refrain from repeatedly hurting the sentiments of Hindus," BJP General Secretary Vinay Katiyar told a news agency over phone from Ayodhya.

Accusing Hussain of insulting the Hindus and the nation by allegedly portraying deities and Bharat Mata in the nude, Katiyar demanded the painter be immediately arrested and prosecuted.

"He has created disaffection among religious communities and therefore should be put behind the bars and prosecuted," the former Bajrang Dal chief said. "Otherwise, we will be forced to protest in our own way," he added.

On Tuesday, Hussain, however, apologised for his controversial depiction of Bharat Mata after angry protests by Hindu organisations.

The painting has been withdrawn from an auction that was to be held in Delhi on Wednesday.