Iltija Mufti emphasized the distinction between Hindutva and Hinduism, asserting that while Hinduism is a religion, Hindutva seeks to establish Hindu dominance and control, reflecting a broader political agenda rather than spiritual beliefs.
Iltija Mufti emphasized the distinction between Hindutva and Hinduism, asserting that while Hinduism is a religion, Hindutva seeks to establish Hindu dominance and control, reflecting a broader political agenda rather than spiritual beliefs.
Iltija Mufti, a prominent figure in the Jammu and Kashmir People's Democratic Party and the daughter of the former Chief Minister of Jammu and Kashmir, Mehbooba Mufti, made headlines on Sunday with her provocative statement labeling Hindutva as a form of illness. In her remarks, she also associated the slogan 'Jai Shri Ram' with instances of lynching, a claim that prompted swift condemnation from the Bharatiya Janata Party, which deemed her statements inappropriate.
In her discourse, Iltija Mufti emphasized that Hindutva and Hinduism should not be conflated, asserting that the former embodies a philosophy aimed at establishing dominance for Hindus. She articulated her viewpoint, noting, “There is a significant distinction between Hindutva and Hinduism. Hindutva represents a doctrine of animosity, originally propagated by Veer Savarkar during the 1940s with the intent of asserting Hindu supremacy in India. Hindutva promotes the notion that India is exclusively for Hindus.” She contrasted this with Hinduism, which, like Islam, she contends, advocates for secular values, love, and compassion, cautioning against the manipulation of its principles.
Moreover, she criticized the exploitation of the 'Jai Shri Ram' slogan, claiming it has been misappropriated beyond its intended spiritual resonance and is now associated with violence and communal strife. “The slogan 'Jai Shri Ram' should evoke the ideal of 'Ramrajya', yet instead, it has become synonymous with acts of brutality. It is disheartening that the essence of Hinduism is being distorted in such a manner. My characterization of Hindutva as an illness is a candid observation of the current socio-political climate,” Iltija Mufti remarked, as reported by ANI.
In response to her comments, BJP leader Ravindra Raina expressed his discontent, labeling Mufti's choice of words as exceedingly derogatory. He insisted that political discourse should maintain a level of decorum, stating, “The language employed by the PDP leader is unacceptable. Although differing political views are commonplace, using such derogatory terminology crosses a line. Iltija Mufti should extend an apology for her statements.”
The discussions surrounding Iltija Mufti's remarks have sparked a broader conversation about the implications of political rhetoric and communal sentiments in the region. Her rise to prominence began in 2019 when her mother was detained amid the contentious revocation of Article 370. During that period, Iltija managed her mother's social media presence, garnering attention for her advocacy. Recently, she also made an attempt to secure a seat in the Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly from the Bijbehara constituency, though her bid was unsuccessful against National Conference contender Bashir Ahmad Shah Veeri.
As the political landscape in Jammu and Kashmir continues to evolve, Iltija Mufti's outspoken views and the reactions they elicit reflect the heightened sensitivities surrounding identity and ideology in a region marked by historical complexities. Her statements provoke a necessary dialogue on the intersection of religion, politics, and social justice, urging a reconsideration of how these elements interact in contemporary discourse.
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