'Hindutva Inciting Violence Against Muslims': Iltija Mufti Triggers Row, BJP Demands Apology

PDP Chief Mehbooba Mufti's daughter Iltija claimed that the slogan 'Jai Shri Ram' has lost its spiritual essence of 'Ram Rajya' and is now associated with mob lynching.

Former CM Mehbooba Mufti's daughter Iltija Mufti talks to the media during a program in Jammu, Sunday, Dec. 8, 2024.

Source : PTI

PDP Chief Mehbooba Mufti's daughter Iltija said on Sunday that 'Hindutva' is a disease which is tarnishing Hinduism by inciting "lynching and persecution" of minorities, particularly Muslims, and the BJP is leveraging it to consolidate its vote bank. The BJP condemned her remarks, demanding an apology for what it termed "derogatory words."

"Ram the deity must hang his head in shame & watch helplessly as minor Muslim boys are whacked with chappals only because they refuse to chant his name. Hindutva is a disease thats (sic) afflicted millions of Indians & sullied a Gods name," Iltija wrote on X, sharing a video of a Muslim man being beaten.

Ram the deity must hang his head in shame & watch helplessly as minor Muslim boys are whacked with chappals only because they refuse to chant his name. Hindutva is a disease thats afflicted millions of Indians & sullied a Gods name. https://t.co/NPpUBdYs2m

— Iltija Mufti (@IltijaMufti_) December 7, 2024

Speaking to reporters in Jammu later, Iltija defended her comments, drawing a distinction between Hindutva and Hinduism. "There is a big difference between Hindutva and Hinduism. Hindutva is about the feeling of hatred, which (Vinayak Damodar) Savarkar (who developed the Hindu nationalist political ideology of Hindutva) used to spread in the 40s (1940s), which aimed to establish the hegemony of Hindus, and the philosophy was about India being of the Hindus and for the Hindus."

"Hinduism, like Islam, is a religion that promotes secularism, love and compassion, let's not deliberately distort it. Whatever I said, I said it openly. I have criticised Hindutva and I stand by my statement. Hindutva is a disease and we have to treat this condition," Iltija told news agency PTI.

Iltija also claimed the slogan 'Jai Shri Ram' has lost its spiritual essence of 'Ram Rajya' and is now associated with mob lynching. "Much outrage over my tweet & also whataboutery about Islam. The senseless violence that's been carried out in the name of Islam is what caused Islamophobia in the first place. Today Hinduism (not Hindutva) also finds itself in a similar situation where it’s being used & abused to lynch & persecute minorities. Let's call spade a spade, " Iltija said in another post on X.

Much outrage over my tweet & also whataboutery about Islam. The senseless violence that’s been carried out in the name of Islam is what caused Islamophobia in the first place. Today Hinduism (not Hindutva) also finds itself in a similar situation where it’s being used & abused to…

— Iltija Mufti (@IltijaMufti_) December 8, 2024

Commenting on the cutting of water and power supplies to slums housing Rohingyas in Jammu, Iltija Mufti criticised the move as a reflection of the BJP's alleged hatred, claiming it seeks to punish and persecute Muslims, whether Indian or Rohingya.

"India belongs to everyone whether you are a Muslim or a Hindu. They are playing politics over the issue of Rohingya but they do not know the condition of Kashmiri migrant pandit hamlet at Jagti. I visited Jagti township and saw the condition of the walls which are in shambles. No water, and they (pandits) are living in bad conditions. The BJP has made everyone's condition miserable," she said.

Former J&K BJP President Ravinder Raina Demands Apology

Addressing attacks on Muslims, Iltija alleged that hooligans, emboldened by the ruling party, treat the situation as a vote bank strategy. "How are laws being hijacked by hooligans in our country? How lynching is taking place, crime against Muslims has gone up… We condemn the violence there," she referred to the Sambhal violence.

Reacting to Iltija's statements over 'Hindutava', former J&K BJP president Ravinder Raina said, "There could be a difference of opinion in politics but hurting someone's religious sentiments is not acceptable." "She has used derogatory words in a tweet while reacting to a doctored video, part of a conspiracy to create a wedge between Muslims and Hindus. She should seek forgiveness for using such words which are not tolerable." he told PTI.

On the National Conference government's decision to restore water supply to Rohingyas, Raina added that it is time for refugees to return to Myanmar. "The situation in Myanmar has improved and Rohingyas living in Sri Lanka and Bangladesh have started returning to their country of origin. Time has come for those living in Jammu to return with respect," he said.