New Delhi: There was uproar in the Lok Sabha on Monday after CPI(M) leader Mohammed Salim targetted Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh for allegedly describing Prime Minister as India’s ‘first Hindu ruler after 800 years’.

“I was quoting from a magazine. If Rajnath Singh is denying it, then let him send a legal notice to the publication,” said Salim.

“Home Minister Rajnath Singh said that for first time in 800 years, a Hindu has become India’s PM,” he added.

Salim further quoted Rajnath Singh, as saying in that article, that “after Prithviraj Chauhan, we have a Hindu ruler after 800 years.”

Trinamool Congress (TMC) leader Saugata Roy said, “It is true that notice should be given. Outlook magazine is dated November 16, two weeks have passed. If it was not true, home minister should have taken note and issued a denial letter. Why did he not do it?

The Home Minister, on his part, expressed his disappointment over the CPI (M) leader’s remark, saying he has never been hurt as much as today in his entire parliamentary career.

“If a Home Minister gives such a statement, then, he should not be in such a position,” he added.

The Lok Sabha is presently holding a debate on the situation arising out of incidents of intolerance in the country under rule 193.

(Agencies)