Row over Togadia's reported hate speech, Congress files complaint

The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) condemned the alleged hate speech by the Vishwa Hindu Parishad president in Bhavnagar, Gujarat, Saturday when he targeted Muslims for buying properties in certain areas.

The AAP described the speech as "extremely shocking and a shameful act" and added that it "goes against the Constitution which provides equality and freedom for every citizen".

The AAP demanded that the Election Commission "should direct immediate registration of an FIR against Togadia and should take strict action against him, so that he is not allowed to vitiate the peaceful atmosphere during the elections".

BJP spokesperson Prakash Javadekar defended Togadia, saying: "I talked to Togadiaji. He said he did not make such a statement."

Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) leader Ram Madhav echoed similar sentiments. "Pravinbhai had not said anything that was attributed to him. It was a fabricated news. No Swayamsevak thinks on those lines," Madhav tweeted.