Irfan Pathan on offensive remarks in the Parliament: 'If provocation doesn't stop...'

Former India cricketer Irfan Pathan commented on the controversy created by BJP MP Ramesh Bidhuri for his remarks aimed at Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) MP Kunwar Danish Ali in a Lok Sabha session.

On Thursday, during a discussion in the lower house, Bidhuri hit out at Danish Ali, an MP from Uttar Pradesh’s Amroha. In it, Bidhuri called him a terrorist and used Islamophobic language.

Irfan Pathan, who last played for India in 2012, wrote on X, formerly Twitter: "If provocation doesn’t stop, it becomes fashion. #Parliament"

For his comments, BJP MP has received a warning of “severe action” from the speaker even though his remarks have been expunged from the records.

Talking to journalists later, Ali said, “I am sure the Lok Sabha Speaker will take action on the incident. Everything is on record. However, if action is not taken against Bidhuri and if my rights are not protected, I will consider leaving the Lok Sabha membership.”

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“This is the first time such unparliamentary language has been used against an elected MP. I couldn’t sleep, my soul was shaken. If an elected MP is facing this situation, what would happen to the common man,” he added. He also said that the language used by Bidhuri was an insult to the entire Muslim community.

Pathan represented India in 173 matches spread across Tests, ODIs and T20Is. The left-arm seamer, also decent as a middle-order batter, took 301 wickets in different formats. The 38-year-old played for India over a nine-year career and also represented Chennai Super Kings, Delhi Daredevils (now Delhi Capitals), Kings XI Punjab (now Punjab Kings), Sunrisers Hyderabad and the defunct Rising Pune Supergiants in the IPL.