Iltija Mufti, daughter of PDP chief Mehbooba Mufti, has described Hindutva as a “disease” that defames Hinduism and fuels the persecution of minorities, particularly Muslims.
Her remarks, made on social media and reiterated to the press in Jammu on Sunday, sparked sharp criticism from the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), which has demanded an apology.
In a post on X (formerly Twitter), Iltija wrote, “Ram the deity must hang his head in shame & watch helplessly as minor Muslim boys are whacked with chappals only because they refuse to chant his name. Hindutva is a disease that’s afflicted millions of Indians & sullied a God’s name.”
She made the statement while sharing a video of a Muslim man being assaulted, which she claimed exemplifies the misuse of Hindutva.
Speaking later to reporters, Iltija elaborated on her position, asserting that Hindutva promotes hatred, contrasting it with Hinduism.
“Hindutva is about the feeling of hatred, which Savarkar used to spread in the 1940s, aiming to establish Hindu hegemony. Hinduism, like Islam, is a religion that promotes secularism, love, and compassion,” she stated.
She added, “Whatever I said, I said it openly. I have criticised Hindutva and I stand by my statement. Hindutva is a disease and we have to treat this condition.” She also alleged that the slogan ‘Jai Shri Ram’ has been weaponised for acts of mob violence.
Addressing the situation of Rohingya refugees in Jammu, Iltija accused the BJP of exploiting their plight for political gain.
She highlighted the deteriorating condition of Kashmiri Pandits, stating, “I visited Jagti township and saw the condition of the walls which are in shambles. No water, and they (pandits) are living in bad conditions. The BJP has made everyone’s condition miserable.”
She further criticised the rising attacks on Muslims, claiming that hooligans, emboldened by the ruling party, were treating minority persecution as a political strategy.
“How are laws being hijacked by hooligans in our country? How lynching is taking place, crime against Muslims has gone up,” she said, referencing last month’s violence in Sambhal.
The BJP termed her comments “derogatory and inflammatory.”
Former BJP J&K president Ravinder Raina remarked, “She has used derogatory words in a tweet while reacting to a doctored video, part of a conspiracy to create a wedge between Muslims and Hindus. She should seek forgiveness for using such words which are not tolerable.”
Raina also addressed the issue of Rohingya refugees, asserting that it was time for them to return to Myanmar.
“The situation in Myanmar has improved and Rohingyas living in Sri Lanka and Bangladesh have started returning to their country of origin. Time has come for those living in Jammu to return with respect,” he said.
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