Biman Takes Swipe at A-G

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NFP leader Biman Prasad Picture: ELIKI NUKUTABU/FT FILE

NATIONAL Federation Party leader professor Biman Prasad says FijiFirst general secretary Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum has a “superiority complex” and his “gross insult” to bhajaniyas was demeaning to the Indo-Fijian community.

He said Mr Sayed-Khaiyum mocking the intelligence of bhajaniyas was “a gross insult to them”.

At a FijiFirst party rally in Nasinu last week, Mr Sayed-Khaiyum questioned the calibre of a Fiji Labour Party candidate, referring to him as a “bhajaniya” and questioned his ability to contribute to debates and discussion if elected to Parliament.

The NFP leader said no matter who recited a bhajan, those singing them were reciting religious scriptures of which they had vast knowledge. “The NFP has two candidates, namely Amitesh Jeet and Shiudayal Sharma who are renowned bhajaniyas,” Prof Prasad said.

“Both are former civil servants and well-known entrepreneurs.

“One of them, Mr Sharma, is held in very high esteem both locally and abroad.

“For Sayed-Khaiyum to trash the intelligence of those people singing bhajans and basically describing them as being unsuitable for Parliament is derogatory, demeaning and a gross insult not only to the bhajaniyas, but the Indo-Fijian community at large.

“As the chief lawmaker of Fiji, Sayed-Khaiyum must surely know that under a constitutional rule, people have an inherent and fundamental right to practise their religion and to vote and contest a general election without fear, favour or ridicule from anyone about the suitability of their candidacy.”

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