PATNA: A major controversy erupted in Bihar political circles on Sunday after a video clip went viral showing RJD MLA Abdus Subhan referring terror outfit Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM) chief Masood Azhar of Pakistan as ‘Masood Sahab’ in the presence of party leader Tejashwi Prasad Yadav.Speaking at an election rally in Muslim-dominated Kishanganj Lok Sabha constituency, Subhan said, “Prime Minister Modi did not speak against China even after it vetoed the proposal to declare Masood Azhar ‘Sahab’ as an international terrorist.” Subhan is RJD MLA from Baisi in Purnia district.In the video clip, Subhan is heard slamming PM Modi for criticizing Pakistan and not China at international forums. “The Prime Minister is not saying anything against China, but he is repeatedly speaking against a country (Pakistan) which is weak. The population of Pakistan is 22 crore, equal to Uttar Pradesh alone. Pakistan is nothing in front of India. The whole of Pakistan can be destroyed within an hour. We are only criticizing Pakistan repeatedly even though a strong country like China is standing in front of us,” Subhan said.Reacting over the MLA’s controversial speech, BJP state president Nityanand Rai on Sunday asked Tejashwi to explain where from his MLA muster such “courage” to address an international terrorist as “Sahab”. Rai also said this election was being contested between ‘nationalists’ and ‘supporters of terrorists’.When contacted over phone, Subhan admitted he called Masood Azhar ‘Sahab’ during the RJD’s election rally at Belwan High School ground in Kishanganj on March 29. Tejashwi was at the dais during his speech, he said. “But the word ‘Sahab’ for Masood Azhar came out inadvertently as we are used to refer even our driver as ‘Driver Sahab’ and guard as ‘Guard Sahab’. I was given just two minutes to complete my speech as Tejashwi ji had to attend another event. Such word for Masood Azhar came out also because I was speaking in haste. Even I was not aware that I had used ‘Sahab” for a terrorist,” Subhan told TOI on Sunday.He said when some RJD workers showed him the video clip he realized that a major wrong had been committed. “If you hear my entire speech, my intention would be clear. Despite all, I am ready to apologize before the country for using ‘Sahab’ word for a terrorist,” Subhan said.Tejashwi could not be contacted for his comments, but RJD spokesperson Chitranjan Gagan said Muslim leaders generally use word ‘Sahab’ for almost every people. “There is no confusion about Subhan’s intention after hearing his entire speech. He is speaking against China,” Gagan told TOI.

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