Won't tolerate: BJP Chief warns after MLA says 'don't buy from Muslim vendors' during COVID-19 lockdown

In a cellphone video widely circulated in media, Tiwari is allegedly heard saying in Hindi:  "Keep one thing in mind. I am telling everyone openly. There is no need to buy vegetables from 'Miyas' (Muslims)."

According to reports, the comment has made the Bharatiya Janata Party chief JP Nadda upset.

Even amid mounting criticism, the MLA remained defiant. "Did I say anything wrong?" he said on Tuesday.

However, Nadda on Tuesday evening declared that such comments 'would not be tolerated.'

He has directed the BJP to investigate the matter and asked other party members to refrain from making such remarks.

The local police, expected to monitor communal comments, said the MLA was responding to a personal question from a BJP worker, said reports.

According to reports, the MLA made the comment after he heard that Muslim vendors are spitting on the vegetables. Spitting is one way through which the Coronavirus spreads.

"So I told them that I cannot do anything but they should avoid buying from these vendors to make sure that they don't get coronavirus. When people are asking what to do.... what should a MLA say? Did I say anything wrong? Why make it a big issue?" the MLA reportedly asked.

This comes even after Centre made repeated appeals to people to avoid rumours and make no distinction based or religion or caste.

Last week, in a LinkedIn post, Prime Minister Narendra Modi had said the COVID-19 pandemic does not see religion or caste before striking.

"COVID-19 does not see race, religion, colour, caste, creed, language or border before striking. Our response and conduct thereafter should attach primacy to unity and brotherhood. We are in this together," PM Modi wrote.