Hyderabad: The BJP in Telangana on Thursday took strong exception to a TRS MLA's reported comments that those living in the city for long would not be sent back even if they had come from Pakistan.
The saffron party said that it has lodged a complaint with police in this connection.
The MLA from Serilingampalli here, Arekapudi Gandhi, however, clarified that he had sought to reassure those who have been living here for long and "not those who came recently" to India (from other countries) or those who are against the country.
Gandhi said that his statement made at a meeting, were taken out of context and some have created an issue "intentionally."
The saffron party also objected to the MLA's comments that his party would offer protection to Muslims whether they had come from Pakistan or other states in the country and living in the state since long.
In the video clip aired by TV channels, Gandhi is purportedly seen saying that "Chandrasekhar Rao ji (Telangana chief minister) had openly said. If necessary, will organise a public meeting, not only the meeting but pass a resolution in the assembly against CAA and send it to Centre. All of you know.. if you don't have address, you came from Pakistan, Rajasthan, Maharashtra or Karnataka, somebody sending you (back) would not happen as long as we are alive."
He alleged in his speech that BJP activists, who visited some localities in the city, were behaving like "agents" of CAA, claiming that the amended citizenship law was good and wont affect people.
"It is the Corporator, MLA and ministers who can take up people's work and not the BJP men," he said.
Gandhi, who was addressing a group of Muslims, also said they need not fear and that he and his colleagues would come with police force to help them.