AGRA: Aligarh BJP MP Satish Gautam triggered a controversy after opposing AIMIM’s demand for permission to offer Eid namaz at Aligarh Exhibition Ground, also known as Numaish Ground, and saying he did not know “what Ramzan or Eid is”. He said there was no need to allot the ground for prayers as the community already had an Eidgah and added even morning loudspeaker announcements from there should be stopped. Addressing a press conference in Aligarh, Gautam said, “I don’t know what Ramzan or Eid is. There is no need to give them the Numaish Ground. They have Eidgah for offering prayers, and now, with exams of children on, even that should be stopped.” His remarks quickly triggered a row in the city where the issue had already drawn attention after AIMIM approached the administration for permission to use the venue for Eid-ul-Fitr prayers on March 20 or 21. He said minority communities were receiving facilities under welfare schemes. “Govt is giving them houses, ration and other facilities. They are taking advantage of all govt schemes. They can be seen in hospitals like AIIMS and Malkhan Singh. What more do they need?” (With inputs from Arun Singh in Aligarh)