In yet another example of anti-Muslim bias being openly endorsed by Hindutva leaders, BJP leader and Indian cabinet minister, Giriraj Singh has claimed that allowing Muslims to live in India after the partition was the country’s "biggest mistake." Singh, who represents Begusarai and serves as Minister for Textiles, made the controversial statement in an article published by the RSS-affiliated Panchjanya. He asserted, “The biggest mistake was to let Muslims live here. If the country was partitioned on religious lines, why were Muslims allowed to remain here? Had they not been allowed to live here, this situation would not have been created.” Singh went on to argue that had all Muslims been sent to Pakistan during the partition, India would be a very different country today.

Singh's comments reflect a broader pattern of hostility towards Muslims from BJP leaders. The Indian minister's statements have been condemned for their inflammatory and divisive nature. Netizens and public figures have expressed strong reactions to Singh's remarks. Darab Farooqui, a songwriter, responded forcefully, stating, “Do your best, Giriraj. I was born an Indian and the best you can do is kill me. But even then, I will die as an Indian. Cry more and seethe.” Journalist Rohinis Singh criticized the comments by highlighting the hypocrisy, noting, “If there were no Muslims in India, the BJP wouldn’t exist and Giriraj Singh wouldn’t be made minister.” The BJP's rhetoric and policies have increasingly targeted Muslims in India, with Singh's comments adding to the growing concerns about the party's stance on religious minorities. His statements have intensified fears about the marginalization of Muslims.

Credit: Independent News Pakistan