Love Jihad: APCC chief Bhupen Kumar Borah tenders apology

STAFF REPORTER

GUWAHATI: APCC president Bhupen Kumar Borah expressed his deep regret for the confusion created due to his comment on pristine love stories in Indian mythology. Borah mentioned that his comment was wrongly interpreted, giving it a distorted meaning and thereby hurting the sentiment of a certain section of the public. However, Bora acknowledged the confusion created by his comment and extended an apology.

Borah said he would prefer to be encountered by the police than have his entry barred into 'namghars' (traditional Assamese temples).

"Last night, my ancestors visited me in my dream and helped me see my error regarding the remarks. I was instructed to go to the namghar and pray. Himanta Biswa Sarma is not a threat to me. My only concern is that my comments might not have been well received by the Vaishnavite community," he said.

"The Chief Minister had requested my arrest. I was instructed to stop visiting Namghars by a 'Satradhikar' (head of a religious organisation connected to the Ekasarana Vaishnavism tradition). I beg them not to prevent me from going to Namghars. Instead, shoot me dead during a police encounter."

Borah mentioned the 'Namghar' constructed by his father and grandfather, mentioned his deep attachment to the Vaishnavite culture, and reiterated his politics of love and affection. Borah, in the press meeting, recited a prayer and most humbly accepted his out-of-context comments, which hurt the sentiment of certain people, and expressed his sincere apology for the incident.

Borah went on to say that he was "constructing a magnificent namghar in my hometown. I'll preach there after my stint in politics. Since politics is not my final inning, that is the sole stipulation I have with the villagers".

"I do not own a news channel or run a newspaper," he said in what appeared to be a jab at the Chief Minister, whose wife Riniki Bhuyan Sarma is chairman of her media house, Pride East Entertainments, a parent company of several regional channels.

"I am unable to control the news that is reported. My internal conscience has made me aware. I know the BJP and RSS won't let this subject go, but I will urge the people to not fall prey to petty politics and rise above all this," the Congress leader added. The Congress leader brought up love-jihad while commenting that Lord Krishna's marriage to Rukmini could also be seen as an instance of the term. He made the remarks during the verbal spat between him and the Chief Minister.

On Thursday, the Chief Minister had said: "Bhupen Borah will soon be arrested if a FIR is filed against him for making a contentious statement regarding Lord Krishna."

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