AIMIM MLA Waris Pathan chants ‘Ganpati Bappa Morya’, forced to apologise after angry clerics hit back – WATCH
All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM) MLA Waris Pathan was forced to tender an apology after a few Muslim clerics 'objected' to him paying respects to Lord Ganesha, a Hindu god, at a Mumbai event.
Waris Pathan, AIMIM MLA, was forced to apologise for hailing Lord Ganesha | Photo Credit: Times Now
Mumbai: In what can only be described as an unfortunate bid to divide India over religious identity, All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM) MLA Waris Pathan was forced to tender an apology after a few Muslim clerics objected to him worshipping and paying respects to Lord Ganesha, a Hindu god, at a recent event. Facing backlash, Pathan eventually issued an apology for chanting “Ganpati Bappa Morya” at the event.
Pathan, who represents Byculla constituency in Mumbai, had visited a Ganpati Pandal recently during the festival of Ganesh Chaturthi where he had addressed the crowd, praying that Lord Ganesha brings happiness for everyone and helps them overcome any obstacles. He had said, “This shows that all of us are together. I will pray to Lord Ganesha that he helps you overcome all your problems and for your happiness. Ganpati Bappa Maurya.”
The video of the incident went viral on social media with many trolling the Muslim leader for hailing the Hindu god. As per a report by Aaj Tak, Pathan was also pulled by the Asaduddin Owaisi-led AIMIM over the issue.
In light of the controversy, Pathan later released a video of him where he admitted his “fault” and sought forgiveness from Allah for his folly. The Byculla MLA said in the video, “A few days ago I had chanted a mantra for which I am ashamed and I had sought salvation from the Almighty. I admit it is my fault, and I assure I will not repeat something like this again.”
Pathan further said, “I am also a human being and we tend to make mistakes. I admit I was wrong. The almighty is supreme and the one who forgives everyone and I know Allah will forgive me too.... I request all of you to pray for me so that I can strengthen my conscience and follow the righteous path. I am nothing without your blessings and I want you to pray for me so that Allah enlightens me to follow the righteous path.”
Incidentally, Shiv Sena has come out in support of the AIMIM leader, with Sena’s Arvind Sawant saying that there was nothing wrong for a Muslim politician to hail Lord Ganesha. “If he has said ‘Ganpati Bappa Morya’, it should not be treated as a crime. “