Jammu and Kashmir People’s Democratic Party (PDP) leader Iltija Mufti clarified her stand after her controversial remarks against Hindutva sparked controversy. He said that he had spoken against the ideology of ‘Hindutva’ and not against ‘Hinduism’. He said, “Hinduism is a religion that promotes “peace and compassion” and further criticized the ‘Hindutva’ philosophy, which he claims wants an India only for Hindus.”
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He further said, “This is Mahatma Gandhi’s India. I have spoken against Hindutva, not against Hinduism.Mufti saidI have spoken out against Veer Savarkar’s philosophy that India is only for Hindus…I know that Hinduism is a religion that promotes peace and compassion. I am against Hindutva because it is a disease that needs to be eradicated.
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What did the mufti say?
His controversial post on Saturday sparked controversy, in which he said Hindutva was a disease that has “afflicted millions of Indians and tarnished the name of a God.” Responding to a purported video, he said, “Lord Ram should bow his head in shame and watch helplessly how minor Muslim boys are being beaten with slippers just because they refuse to take his name.”
Differentiating between Hinduism and Hindutva, Mufti emphasized that Hindutva, like Islam, is a religion promoting the values of secularism, love and compassion.he said“There is a lot of difference between Hindutva and Hinduism. Hindutva is a philosophy of hatred that was spread in India by Veer Savarkar in the 1940s with the aim of establishing the hegemony of Hindus, and the philosophy was that India belongs to Hindus and Like Islam, Hinduism is also a religion that promotes secularism, love and compassion. Therefore, let us not distort it deliberately.
Speaking on Jai Shri Ram slogan, Mufti further said, “Jai Shri Ram slogan is not about Ramrajya, but it is being linked to lynching… It is very shameful that Hinduism is being distorted …I criticized Hindutva because it is a disease.”
Congress supported Mufti
Meanwhile, after Iltija’s statement, Congress leader Rashid Alvi said, “She has praised Hinduism. She is a youth leader and the granddaughter of Mufti Mohammad Sayeed… We all need to respect each other’s religions.” Should do.”
BJP criticized Iltija
BJP leader Ravinder Raina criticized Mufti’s statement, saying the PDP leader had used “very derogatory language” for Hinduism and demanded an apology from her. Raina said, “The PDP leader has used very derogatory language. This kind of language should not be used. There can be differences in politics, but derogatory language should not be used… PDP leader Iltija Mufti should apologize for his comments.”
The BJP, for its political gains, has exploited and abandoned everyone from Kashmiri Pandit refugees living in deplorable conditions in Jagti and other camps to Rohingya refugees. Their treatment of vulnerable communities speaks volumes. @IltijaMufti_ pic.twitter.com/n0jfDoA3QP
— Mohit Bhan (@buttkout) December 8, 2024