Mehbooba Mufti's remark comparing India and Bangladesh has triggered significant political debate, with her comments drawing sharp criticism from BJP leaders and sparking discussions across the political spectrum.
The former Chief Minister of Jammu and Kashmir and chief of the People's Democratic Party (PDP) made the contentious statement while addressing party workers in Jammu.
During her speech, Mufti said that if atrocities against minorities occur in India, similar to those in Bangladesh, there would be no difference between the two countries.
She highlighted India’s global reputation as a secular nation and questioned actions that undermine its secular fabric. Her remarks came amid protests against the arrest of Hindu religious leader Chinmoy Krishna Das in Bangladesh.
The BJP was quick to condemn her statement, terming it "anti-national" and accusing her of drawing false equivalences. Ravinder Raina, former BJP chief in Jammu and Kashmir, criticised Mufti for overlooking the severe human rights violations faced by minorities in Bangladesh.
He highlighted incidents such as targeted attacks, desecration of religious symbols, and violence against women in Bangladesh, contrasting them with the situation in India.
Raina also demanded that the J&K administration take strict action against Mufti for what he called a conspiracy to mislead the public.
Leader of the Opposition in the Jammu and Kashmir Assembly, Sunil Sharma, echoed similar sentiments. He described Mufti's remarks as a desperate attempt to revive her party, which he claimed has lost public support.
Sharma argued that the Muslim community in India, particularly in Jammu and Kashmir, enjoys safety and security, making comparisons with Bangladesh unjustified.
Mehbooba Mufti’s comments extended beyond the India-Bangladesh comparison, as she criticised the government's actions in various areas. She referred to recent controversies, such as the Sambhal mosque survey, alleging that such incidents were efforts to stoke communal tensions.
She also expressed concerns about the government’s focus on religious issues instead of addressing pressing problems like unemployment, poor infrastructure, and lack of quality healthcare and education.
The PDP chief did not hold back in her criticism of the Modi government, targeting issues such as the use of Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs).
She alleged discrepancies in election results and claimed that the Election Commission has ignored concerns raised by the Opposition INDIA bloc regarding EVMs.
According to Mufti, the bloc, which includes her party, believes that tampering with EVMs has been used to manipulate election outcomes in favour of the BJP.
Mufti also addressed the unemployment crisis, particularly in Jammu and Kashmir, stating that young people were struggling to find jobs while the government failed to create adequate opportunities.
She linked these challenges to broader issues of governance, accusing the Centre of diverting attention from developmental needs to communal issues.
Despite her criticisms, Mufti acknowledged the secular character of the majority of Hindus in India. She stressed the importance of unity among all religious communities, urging Hindus, Muslims, Sikhs, and Christians to stand together in the face of divisive politics.
According to her, the need for communal harmony is more urgent than ever.
This is not the first time Mehbooba Mufti has courted controversy with her statements. Her remarks on issues ranging from human rights to electoral processes have often been polarising, earning her both staunch supporters and fierce critics.
This time, her comparison of India with Bangladesh has brought her under intense scrutiny, with many questioning her motives and others supporting her stance on secularism and governance.
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