UP BJP MLA’s demand for separate wards for muslims in hospitals sparks uproar

Lucknow, UP: Ketakee Singh, a Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) MLA, has caused uproar with her communal demand to Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath. The politician has called for a separate ward for Muslim patients in government hospitals.

Interacting with the media, the Balia MLA said, "Jab Holi hoti hai tab unko dikkat, jab Ram Navmi hoti hai toh unko dikkat, jab Durga Puja hoti hai toh unko dikkat, toh hum log ke sath ilaaj karane mein bhi ho sakta hai unko koi dikkat ho" (During Holi, Ram Navmi, Durga Puja they have a problem, so maybe they might also have a problem getting treated along with us), Free Press Journal reported.

She further said, "I demand from the CM that if we are spending so much then lets make a room and a separate ward for them (Muslims), so that they can get themselves treated from there if they have problem staying with us.”

Further advocating her demand Singh said, "I demand from the CM, a medical college which will be inaugurated in Diwali, should have a separate wing for them (Muslims), so that we feel safe and secure and are saved as we do not know what they will give us by mixing saliva."

Ketakee Singh is the BJP's MLA for the Bansdih seat in Baliya district. In 2022, MLA defeated Ram Govind Chaudhary, the current Leader of the Opposition in the Uttar Pradesh Assembly. Days ago, during a peace committee meeting in view of the forthcoming Holi festival, which overlaps with Friday prayers, Sambhal Circle Officer (CO) Anuj Chaudhary talking with the media stated, "Holi is a festival that comes once a year, whereas Friday (Jumma) prayers take place 52 times in a year. If anyone feels uncomfortable with the colours of Holi, they should stay indoors on that day."

The statement sparked a debate, and when CM Yogi Aditynath was asked regarding the statement he said speaking at the India Today conclave, "We should respect each other’s feelings during festivals. Prayers are offered every Friday, but Holi comes only once a year. The namaz can be delayed, and if anyone is willing to offer Friday prayers on time (normal time of 1.30 pm), they can do so while remaining in their house. Going to the mosque for the namaz is not mandatory.”