FIR Against SP MLA Mehboob Ali Over ‘Muslim Population’ Remark, BJP Says ‘Inciting For Demographic Change’
Mehboob Ali, an SP MLA, faces FIR after he warned the BJP that the growing Muslim population is going to end their rule, prompting controversy and political backlash from BJP leaders.
An FIR has been filed against Samajwadi Party (SP) MLA Mehboob Ali and Bijnor SP chief Shaikh Zakir Hussain at Kotwali City police station in Uttar Pradesh's Bijnor. The FIR was lodged in connection with Ali’s alleged statement during a public address, which is accused of "promoting enmity and hatred between Hindus and Muslims on the basis of religion", news agency ANI reported.
Addressing an event, Mehboob Ali made several controversial remarks. He allegedly warned the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) government, saying, “The Muslim population is increasing. Your rule will end.” Ali further added, “The Mughals ruled for over 850 years. If they are no longer in power, what makes you think you will stay?”
#BREAKING | योगी सरकार को सपा विधायक की चेतावनी-'मुस्लिम आबादी बढ़ गई, तुम्हारा राज ख़त्म हो जाएगा'
— ABP News (@ABPNews) September 30, 2024
-सपा विधायक पर बरसे केंद्रीय मंत्री गिरिराज सिंह, सुनिए क्या कहा @romanaisarkhan | https://t.co/smwhXURgtc#MehboobAli #SamajwadiParty #GirirajSingh #UttarPradesh #Bihar pic.twitter.com/27cHjJwVNd
Referring to the 2027 elections, the Amroha MLA stated, “In 2027, you will definitely go, and we will definitely come.” His comments during the event in Bijnor have sparked controversy.
In addition to these remarks, Ali accused the BJP of opposing the Constitution and being anti-reservation. “The BJP opposes the Constitution. The principle of the Constitution is found in the SP,” he claimed, adding that there is “no rule of law left” under the BJP government.
The remarks have sparked a political war of words, with BJP leaders and allies strongly condemning Ali’s remarks, while the SP attempts to distance itself from the controversy.
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Samajwadi Party Distances Itself From Mehboob Ali's Remarks As BJP Mounts Attack
Samajwadi Party leader Sunil Sajan distanced the party from Ali’s remarks regarding the Muslim population. "But it is true that inflation has increased, unemployment has increased, BJP's corruption has increased, their lies have increased, their politics of hate has increased... the borders are not secure, states are burning, and the Prime Minister is silent. So, a large population wants to ensure the BJP's defeat. The BJP is not here for long," Sajan remarked, as per NDTV.
Responding to Mehboob Ali’s statements, former Uttar Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Dinesh Sharma criticised the SP MLA. “The Samajwadi Party leaders should understand that Modi and Yogi are lions. Lions walk alone, they don’t rely on a crowd. The SP leaders should stop issuing threats based on population strength. We are not weak,” he said.
BJP National Spokesperson Shehzad Poonawala shared a purported video and stated, “SP MLA from Amroha Mehboob Ali has in the “Samvidhan Samman” meeting says “Yogi rule will end because the Muslim population is increasing now” 1) They often complained about 80:20 statement - who does 80 vs 20 is before you 2) Is this Muhabbat ki Dukaan ? Is it pro constitution or secular ? 3) plan is clear Divide Hindus & Unite Muslim votebank?”
SP MLA from Amroha Mehboob Ali has in the “Samvidhan Samman” meeting says
— Shehzad Jai Hind (Modi Ka Parivar) (@Shehzad_Ind) September 30, 2024
“Yogi rule will end because the Muslim population is increasing now”
1) They often complained about 80:20 statement - who does 80 vs 20 is before you
2) Is this Muhabbat ki Dukaan ? Is it pro… pic.twitter.com/KAr6BtO2qa
“Akhilesh says Mathadish are like mafia , Rahul says Ram Mandir praan Pratishta was like dance event and Mehboob Ali incites for demographic change !! Agenda is clear isn’t it?” Poonawala remarked.
BJP leader Sangeet Som stated, “I have said before, what is Gajwa-e-Hind? Mehboob Ali is insignificant. Those who threaten with population numbers will be seen on the streets saying 'Ram Ram'. We drove the Mughals out, not Mehboob Ali. We will drive out this Mughal as well. Owaisi and Mehboob's plans will not succeed. No matter how much the population increases, rats will remain rats, lions will remain lions. Tell them to say 'Jai Shri Ram' instead of 'Inshallah.'”
Som confidently added that the BJP would return to power in 2027. “Akhilesh Yadav is deluded. Does he want to bring Gajwa-e-Hind? The people of Uttar Pradesh brought Lord Ram to power and will do so again in 2027.”
Meanwhile, BJP’s ally, the Suheldev Bharatiya Samaj Party (SBSP), hit back at Mehboob Ali’s comments. SBSP chief and Cabinet Minister Om Prakash Rajbhar also challenged Akhilesh Yadav, criticising Mehboob Ali. “Mehboob Ali should stop acting like a slave. He is an enemy of his own community. If Akhilesh has the guts, he should make a Muslim the Chief Minister,” Rajbhar remarked, further adding that “Suheldev buried the Mughals.”