BJP leader Ravinder Raina on Sunday condemned PDP chief Mehbooba Mufti for her recent remarks comparing the condition of minorities in India to those in Bangladesh, calling her statements “unfortunate” and “treasonous.” Raina emphasized that all religious communities in India live safely and demanded legal action against the former Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister.
Speaking to media, Raina stated, “Mehbooba Mufti’s statement comparing India with Bangladesh is very controversial and unfortunate. Minority communities are being targeted in Bangladesh. The kind of atrocities that happened in Bangladesh, Mehbooba Mufti’s statement against India regarding Bangladesh is treason. Hindus, Muslims, Sikhs, and Christians are all safe in India.”
The BJP leader further accused Mufti of spreading misleading narratives, adding, “She goes to different places and holds rallies, putting forward her point of view. She has all the security… Mehbooba Mufti has committed treason, and legal action should be taken against her.”
Mehbooba Mufti’s Statement
Mufti’s controversial comments came during her visit to Jammu, where she discussed the recent Sambhal violence and expressed concerns over the state of minorities in India. Drawing parallels with Bangladesh, Mufti remarked, “In Bangladesh, atrocities are being committed on Hindus. If atrocities are committed on minorities in India as well, then what is the difference between India and Bangladesh? I don’t see any difference.”
She also criticized ongoing disputes over historical sites, saying, “They are not improving the condition of roads but are trying to demolish mosques in search of temples. The Sambhal incident is very unfortunate. Some people were working in shops and were shot.”
Referring to the Ajmer Sharif Dargah, Mufti said, “Ajmer Sharif Dargah, where people from all religions offer prayers, is the biggest example of brotherhood. Now they are trying to dig into it to search for a temple.”
Context:
- Bangladesh Violence: Mufti’s comments come amid international concerns over rising violence against Hindus in Bangladesh, where temples have been attacked following the arrest of a former priest, Chinmoy Krishna Das.
- Sambhal Incident: The incident in Uttar Pradesh involved a violent clash between a mob and police during a court-ordered survey of a mosque. Four individuals died, and several officials were injured.
Raina’s sharp rebuke and calls for legal action highlight the intensifying political tensions around sensitive topics like minority rights and interfaith harmony in India.