An MLA of the ruling BJP allegedly took an oath here on Sunday along with others to turn India into a Hindu Rashtra and “make or take sacrifice(s) for it”.
“We pledge and give commitment to make Hindustan a Hinddu Rashtra and to let it be a Hindu Rashtra,” Ambala City MLA Aseem Goel and others are purportedly seen saying in videos that have surfaced on social media.
“If needed, we will make or take sacrifice(s) for it. But we will declare the country a Hindu Rashtra at any cost. May our ancestors and deities give us the power to achieve our goal.”
Contacted on Monday, Goel said he had taken the oath along with others at the event as a Hindu and not as a BJP lawmaker. “I am proud to be a Hindu,” he said.
The purported Hindu Rashtra oath taken by the MLA on Sunday runs counter to the official oath MLAs have to take to uphold the Constitution, which describes India as a “secular” republic.
“I, A.B. (name) having been elected a Member of the Legislative Assembly, do swear in the name of God/ solemnly affirm that I will bear true faith and allegiance to the Constitution of India as by law established, that I will uphold the sovereignty and integrity of India and that I will faithfully discharge the duty upon which I am about to enter,” goes the oath, mandatory under Article 188 of the Constitution, according to the Haryana Assembly website.
In the videos, a slogan in favour of a Hindu Rashtra is purportedly heard and the MLA is seen raising both his arms in support along with the others present.
Goel also participated in a seminar on a proposed uniform civil code, apparently held as part of the same event.