Mehbooba Mufti Indicts BJP of Undermining the Indian Constitution

Criticizing the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and its government, People’s Democratic Party (PDP) President Mehbooba Mufti accused them of being determined to destroy the Indian Constitution. The Constitution, she noted, guarantees equal rights to all citizens, a principle she claims the BJP is actively undermining.

Mehbooba’s remarks followed a recent directive in Muzaffarnagar, Uttar Pradesh, which ordered shopowners and kiosk owners to display their names. She claimed this move is a clear sign of the BJP’s intention to erode constitutional guarantees. The directive is also perceived as a way to identify Muslim shopkeepers, making them easy targets for discrimination and violence.

The PDP leader recalled Congress leader Rahul Gandhi’s earlier warnings that the BJP would alter the Constitution if re-elected. Mehbooba asserted that Gandhi’s predictions are now proving true. She criticized Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s silence on the directive, demanding that he clarify his stance on the matter.

Mehbooba warned that the BJP’s policies, while initially targeting Muslims, will eventually affect Dalits and other marginalized communities. This, she argued, is a dangerous trajectory for Indian democracy. Her comments were made in the context of former trade union leader Khurshid Alam rejoining the PDP, signaling potential shifts in political alliances and strategies.

Mehbooba Mufti’s critique of the BJP highlights the perceived threat to the principles of equality enshrined in the Indian Constitution. She contends that actions like the Muzaffarnagar directive are not isolated incidents but part of a broader agenda to erode the rights of certain communities.

The directive for shopowners to display their names, seen by many as a tactic to single out Muslim businesses, underscores the growing fear of targeted discrimination. Mehbooba’s concerns reflect a broader anxiety among minority communities about their safety and rights under the current government.

Referencing Rahul Gandhi’s earlier warnings, Mehbooba Mufti pointed out that the BJP’s actions are aligning with his predictions about constitutional changes. Gandhi had warned that if the BJP were re-elected, it would seek to alter the foundational principles of the Indian state. Mehbooba believes these warnings are coming to pass, as evidenced by recent government directives and policies.

A significant part of Mehbooba’s critique is aimed at Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s silence on controversial issues. She called on Modi to explicitly state whether he supports or opposes the Muzaffarnagar directive. Her demand for clarity from the Prime Minister highlights the need for transparent leadership in times of rising communal tensions.

Mehbooba Mufti’s warnings extend beyond the immediate impact on Muslims. She emphasized that the BJP’s divisive policies will eventually affect Dalits and other marginalized groups. This prediction suggests a widening scope of discrimination and repression that could destabilize the social fabric of India.

The context of Mehbooba’s remarks is further enriched by the recent political realignments, such as former trade union leader Khurshid Alam rejoining the PDP. This move indicates potential shifts in political alliances and strategies, as opposition parties seek to unite against what they perceive as the BJP’s authoritarian tendencies.

Mehbooba Mufti’s accusations against the BJP emphasize significant concerns about the future of the Indian Constitution and the equal rights it guarantees. Her critique of the Muzaffarnagar directive, references to Rahul Gandhi’s warnings, and call for Modi’s response highlight the urgency of addressing these issues. As political dynamics evolve, the protection of constitutional rights for all citizens remains a critical challenge for India.