Mon Dec 09 06:34:07 UTC 2024: ## PDP Leader’s Daughter Condemns ‘Hindutva’ as Disease, Sparks Political Row
**JAMMU, INDIA (December 9, 2024)** – Iltija Mufti, daughter of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) chief Mehbooba Mufti, ignited a political firestorm on Sunday after labeling “Hindutva” a disease responsible for the persecution of minorities in India. Her comments, made on social media and later defended to reporters, drew swift condemnation from the BJP.
Ms. Mufti’s X post, which included a video of a Muslim man being beaten, stated that Hindutva is defaming Hinduism and leading to lynchings. She alleged that the BJP uses Hindutva to consolidate its vote bank. She distinguished between Hinduism, which she described as a religion promoting secularism, and Hindutva, which she characterized as a hateful ideology aiming for Hindu hegemony.
The BJP’s former J&K president, Ravinder Raina, criticized Ms. Mufti’s remarks as unacceptable, accusing her of using derogatory language and contributing to a conspiracy to divide Hindus and Muslims. He also called for the Rohingya refugees in Jammu to return to their home country, citing improved conditions in Myanmar.
Ms. Mufti further criticized the BJP’s alleged targeting of Rohingya Muslims in Jammu by cutting off their water and power supply. She also highlighted the poor living conditions of Kashmiri Pandit migrants in Jagti, contrasting it with the BJP’s focus on the Rohingya issue. She argued that the BJP’s actions embolden hooligans and contribute to rising crime against Muslims.
The controversy follows a recent incident in Sambhal where four men died in a riot. Ms. Mufti condemned the violence and highlighted the increase in crimes against Muslims. Her statements have deepened the ongoing political debate surrounding religious identity and tolerance in India.
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