A prominent Hindu nationalist leader has filed a defamation suit against a Muslim journalist for allegedly defaming him.
The suit, filed in Delhi’s high court on Friday, said that Javed Akhtar, a former member of Parliament, had been accused of “ignorance, hatred and defamation” by a Muslim politician who has alleged that he “ignored and misappropriated” Akhtar’s views.
The case is being taken on behalf of Akhtar by the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) and the Samajwadi Party, the party said in a statement.
“Mr Akhtar is a victim of an anti-national campaign led by the RSS, which seeks to destroy him and others like him by accusing them of ‘ignorant, hatred, defamation and other crimes’,” it said.
Akhtar was sacked as a legislator in 2014 by BJP president Amit Shah, who later became the chief minister of Uttar Pradesh.
“We are confident that Mr Akhtar will prevail in his lawsuit.
It is a matter of public interest that the BJP government should act to protect and protect people against these kinds of defamation campaigns,” said the statement.
Akhtars lawyer, Ram Jethmalani, said Akhtar had been wrongly accused of being an RSS supporter.
“It is important to note that Mr. Aktari has always maintained his innocence and was always willing to share any facts and details that were pertinent,” Jethgalani said.
“This case has nothing to do with the anti-Sikh campaign, which is being carried out by the ruling BJP and is aimed at destroying the character and reputation of Mr Aktar and his family.”
Akhtar has been accused by the BJP of being anti-Muslim, and of working for the RSS.
In 2013, the BJP’s ruling alliance, the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), swept to power in Uttar Pradesh after winning elections in the state.
The ruling party, however, is currently embroiled in a controversy over its controversial proposal to ban the Aryan community.