Tehran, IRNA – India’s ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has identified 38 leading members as having offended religious sentiments of Muslims and banned them from making such statements, Indian media reported.

BJP has prepared a list of 38 leaders who have offended religious sentiments, 27 of whom have been asked to consult the leadership before issuing any statement.

The party has also instructed its spokespersons to avoid commenting on public or virtual spaces.

Last week, a BJP spokesperson provoked controversy and criticism by making derogatory comments about Prophet Mohammad (PBUH).

Qatar and some other Muslim states called for an official apology from India. BJP suspended membership of Nupur Sharma and another leading member of the party to mitigate criticism.

Iran, Pakistan, Afghanistan, and the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) officially protested India over the offense.

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