Unhinged by FIR, SP leader Maurya stands ground on Ramcharitmanas remarks

Booked for his comments on the Ramcharitmanas, Samajwadi Party leader Swami Prasad Maurya has refused to retract his remarks saying he had spoken on a particular verse in Hindu epic poem and not about Lord Ram or any religion.

Maurya, a prominent OBC leader in Uttar Pradesh, largely stuck to his stand in an interview with PTI on Tuesday, but asserted his comments, which triggered a row and embarrassed his party, were made in personal capacity and not as a member of the SP.

"At the time of giving the statement, I had said this is my personal statement," he said.

Maurya kicked up a controversy recently by alleging that certain verses of the Ramcharitmanas "insult" a large section of society on the basis of caste and demanded that these be "banned".

Asked if he still stood by his statement, the SP leader replied, "Have I said anything wrong that I will go back?"

"I give respect to all religions, but no religion or anyone can have the permission to hurl abuses.... I have spoken about