Dr Zakir Naik's speeches are highly objectionable, action will be taken: Govt

New Delhi, Jul 7: Internationally acclaimed orator an authority on comparative religion Dr Zakir Naik faced more heat today with Narendra Modi-led union government termed his speeches as "highly objectionable" and warned to take "appropriate action" against him.

As Dr Naik came under the scanner, senior Congress leader Digivjaya Singh was in the BJP's line of fire after a 2012 video showing him share a dais with the 50-year-old Mumbai-based scholar praising him at an event to promote communal harmony surfaced today.

Security personnel were deployed outside Dr Naik's 'Islamic Research Foundation' office at Dongri area in South Mumbai as a precautionary measure in the wake of the escalating row over his alleged hate speeches.

"The Home Ministry will study (his speeches). It will take appropriate action after studying them. His speeches, as being reported in the media, are highly objectionable," the new Information and Broadcasting Minister M Venkaiah Naidu told reporters in Delhi.

Naidu's remarks came a day after Minister of State for Home Affairs Kiren Rijiju hinted at action against the preacher after looking into whether Naik through his speeches glorifies terrorist acts by Muslims. Naik yesterday asserted that his speech on Islam and terror has been taken out of context and clarified that he had only said muslims should terrorise anti-social elements.

Digvijay Singh, who was seen praising Naik in the 2012 video, defended himself, saying if there was any evidence against the preacher, then the Indian and Bangladeshi governments should take action against him. In the video, Singh told Naik that he should take his message of peace world over.

"I have appealed for communal harmony and opposed religious fundamentalism and terrorism by either Hindus or Muslims," the Congress leader added.

However, BJP was quick to target Singh and also demanded action against Dr Naik, saying he was a "threat" to national security as it was clear from his speeches that he "incited" people.

"Terrorism is enemy of humanity. Anybody who directly or indirectly abets it is guilty. People like him (Naik) are a threat to our national security. Government agencies should decide on action against him under the existing legal system. It is clear that he incited people," party national secretary Shrikant Sharma said.

Coming to the defence of Singh, Congress Chief Spokesperson Randeep Surjewala said his senior colleague has himself stated that he only appealed for peace, harmony and brotherhood.

Surjewala said the NDA government should take decisive action against Naik or any other individual or organisation found indulging in anti-India activities.

"There is no place in our society for obscurantist & extremist thoughts. Congress party has always fought the forces of hate and division who have threatened India's integrity," he added.