New Delhi: Suresh Tiwari, the BJP MLA from Barhaj constituency of the district, kicked up a storm by asking the people of his constituency not to buy vegetables from Muslims, and later defending his remark.

In a viral video that has surfaced on the internet, Tiwari is seen asking people not to buy vegetables from Muslims.

‘Did I say something wrong?’ BJP MLA defends self

Later when asked to clarify his statement, the BJP MLA told media persons, “I had visited my constituency recently. The citizens there told me that Muslim vegetable sellers are applying their saliva on vegetables.”

“I told them that I cannot do much in this regard other than advising them not to buy vegetables from such sellers. What more can an MLA say? Was it wrong of me to say so?” Tiwari added.

He further said that when a leader like Owaisi abuses Hindus then no one opposes it but if an MLA gives advice to the people of his constituency, then an uproar is created.

Party’s showcause notice to MLA

The BJP has issued show-cause notice to Deoria MLA Suresh Tiwari for allegedly asking people not to buy vegetables from Muslim vendors.

Official sources said top party leadership has found his comments ‘highly irresponsible’, and its national president J P Nadda ‘pulled up’ the state brass for not taking quick action.

They said Nadda admonished UP BJP chief Swatantra Dev Singh and asked him to take action against Tiwari.

The MLA has been asked to send his reply within a week.