GOVT FIREFIGHTS AFTER GULF OUTRAGE

New Delhi: The suspension of BJP spokesperson Nupur Sharma and expulsion of the BJP’s Delhi media cell chief Naveen Kumar on Sunday amid a diplomatic furore between India and West Asian countries has created a major buzz within the BJP. The government on Monday fought to defuse anger in Gulf countries and opposition attacks at home over comments on Prophet Muhammad by two BJP leaders.

India on Monday slammed comments by OIC as "narrow-minded", "motivated, misleading and mischievous". Reacting to remarks by OIC, MEA Spokesperson Arindam Bagchi said India accords "highest respect" to all religions and that the statement by 57-member grouping exposed its "divisive agenda" which is being pursued at the behest of "vested interests." OIC also urged UN to take necessary measures to ensure that rights of Muslims are protected in India.