Shahnawaz hints Varun's hate-speech created problems

In a veiled attack on party MP Varun Gandhi for his alleged hate speeches, BJP's only Muslim MP Syed Shahnawaz Hussain on Tuesday said certain "communal" statements made by some of his party leaders had put him in a precarious position in front of voters from his community.

"Certain (communal) statements made by our leaders during elections had created problems. I would raise this issue in the party forum where it would be discussed," Hussain said without naming Varun.

Sources close to Hussain said while campaigning in his constituency Bhagalpur in Bihar-- which has a sizable Muslim population-- he had to face tough questions from the minority community on the Gandhi's alleged hate-speech in Pilibhit.

Hussain had feared he would face wrath of the Muslim voters in his constituency when the controversial CDs of Varun Gandhi allegedly spewing venom on the minority community were submitted to the Election Commission in March.

He had raised the issue in BJP's Central Election Committee meeting at that time.  Hussain holds the distinction of being the only Muslim MP from BJP to be elected to the Lok Sabha for a third consecutive term.