Karnataka Bhartiya Janata Party (BJP) Leader Arvind Bellad has made a controversial statement on the use of peacock feathers in mosques, amid the row over his tiger claw pendant. The MLA, who represents Bairia constituency in Ballia district, claimed that peacock feathers are used to decorate the graves of Muslim saints and are also kept in mosques.
His comments came after the forest department’s notice and searches at Rajya Sabha BJP MP and actor Jaggesh’s house. The searches were conducted after Jaggesh was seen wearing a tiger-claw pendant during a live television interview.
The MLA, Bellad, made this remark on Wednesday, while defending his tiger claw pendant, which he said was a gift from a seer. He said that he wore the pendant as a symbol of courage and strength, and that it had nothing to do with animal cruelty or poaching.
Targetting Karnataka CM Siddaramaiah, Bellad questioned why did he not take action against the use of peacock feathers in mosques and dargahs, while he ordered a raid on Jaggesh’s house for having a tiger claw pendant?
“Siddaramaiah goes and takes blessings from those peacock feathers. Can’t he see? The peacock is our national bird. It’s a crime and against the law,” he added.
The BJP MLA also urged Siddaramaiah to raid “each and every” mosque and dargah and file a complaint against the places.
He said, “Peacock feathers are used to decorate the graves of Muslim saints. They are also kept in mosques. I don’t know why some people are creating a fuss over my tiger claw pendant.”
He said, “I have seen peacock feathers being sold in Varanasi and Lucknow. I have no objection to that. I am not against any religion or animal. I am only against those who are trying to defame me.”
He also challenged anyone to prove that his pendant was made from a real tiger claw, and said that he would give up his MLA seat if proven guilty. He said that his pendant was made from a synthetic material, and that it was given to him by a seer named Baba Nageshwar Nath.
The president of the All India Jamiatul Quresh Action Committee, Sirajuddin Qureshi, said that the BJP MLA’s claim was baseless and absurd, and that he had no knowledge of Islam or its practices. He said that peacock feathers are not used in mosques or graves, and that they are considered as impure by Muslims.
He said, “The BJP MLA’s claim is ridiculous and false. He has no idea about Islam or its rituals. Peacock feathers are not used in mosques or graves. They are considered as najis (impure) by Muslims. He is trying to mislead the people and create communal disharmony.
The founder of People for Animals (PFA), Maneka Gandhi, said that the BJP MLA’s pendant was clearly made from a real tiger claw, and that it was a violation of the Wildlife Protection Act. She said that she had filed a complaint against him with the forest department, and that he should be arrested and punished.
The controversy began with the arrest of Varthur Santhosh, a contestant on Bigg Boss Kannada, for wearing a pendant made from a real tiger claw. His arrest has now led to a wider investigation, pulling in other public figures seen donning similar ornaments. Among those under the investigative lens are Rajya Sabha MP Jaggesh, actor Darshan, and producer Rockline Venkatesh.
The Wildlife Protection Act, 1972, strictly prohibits the possession, display, and sale of animal organs or parts, including tiger claws. This act underscores the commitment to protect endangered species from harm. Violation of this law can lead to severe penalties, including imprisonment for 3 to 7 years.
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