Introduction
The recent remarks by Maria Alam Khan, the niece of Congress leader Salman Khurshid, urging Muslim voters to engage in 'Vote Jihad' have ignited a firestorm of controversy, shedding light on the declining quality of political discourse and the desperation apparent within opposition politicians. Khan's provocative statements, made during a Samajwadi Party rally in Uttar Pradesh's Farrukhabad district on April 29th, have sparked heated debates and drawn condemnation from various quarters.
Congress’s Salman Khurshid, SP’s Maria Alam Khan (The Indian Express)
The Remarks and Reactions
With her uncle Salman Khurshid in attendance, Maria Khan emphasized the necessity of practicing 'vote jihad' in the current scenario, stating, "We must practice vote jihad very silently and smartly. We need not be emotional about this. We must unite to save the Constitution and that demands Vote Jihad. That is all that is in our hands. We all together need to get this Sanghi government out of power. Only then can we save the Constitution."
Khan's remarks didn't stop there. She further advocated for the exclusion of Muslims who support the BJP-led government from the community, saying, "There are so many people who are currently in jail due to CAA-NRC. Amid this, all those supporting the people in power should face the ire. Salman Khurshid Sir is fighting for all Muslims and we should support him. You people are our power. We all are working for your betterment. Democracy is in danger. Think of your future generations and practice vote jihad."
Prime Minister Narendra Modi swiftly latched onto the controversy, accusing the INDIA bloc of exposing their strategy for the ongoing Lok Sabha election. "INDI alliance has asked Muslims to go for Vote Jihad. This has come from an educated family, not from a child coming out of a Madrasa. INDI alliance is saying that all Muslims should get together and vote. The INDI alliance has insulted democracy and the Constitution," the Prime Minister said.
The Farrukhabad Police subsequently filed an FIR against Salman Khurshid and Maria Alam Khan for violating the Model Code of Conduct by seeking votes in the name of religion.
Endorsement and Condemnation
Surprisingly, Salman Khurshid endorsed Maria Alam Khan's remarks, stating that the term 'vote jihad' is typically avoided in public discourse due to potential misinterpretations. Khurshid clarified that 'jihad' simply denotes grappling with circumstances, but echoed Khan's assertion that 'vote jihad' should be practiced. In addition to Salman Khurshid, former Congress MLA Lewis Khurshid, State General Secretary Prakash Pradhan, District President Shakuntala Devi, and numerous other district-level Congress leaders attended the meeting. Also in attendance were SP candidate Dr. Naval Kishore Shakya, former MLA Pratap Singh Yadav, Ajit Katheria, and Ramprakash Kallu Yadav.
On the other hand, Rakesh Tripathi of the BJP acknowledged the incident and criticized the opposition for their controversial remarks. "These people are trying to misguide the people by asking them to practice vote jihad. The opposition is scared due to the massive development undertaken by the Modi government, even for the minority communities. So they are making attempts to misguide the Muslims. But all these efforts will go in vain. However, strict action must be taken against such leaders who make controversial remarks," Tripathi said.
The Concept of Jihad
It's important to understand that 'Jihad' is a theological concept in Islam, considered one of the most sacred duties for devout Muslims. The Arabic word "Jihad" translates to "struggle". It encompasses the struggle for spreading Islam, using various means available to Muslims, including violence. This form of Jihad is often termed as "Holy War".
Throughout history, various terrorist groups and radical outfits have waged 'Jihad' against non-Muslims or those who don't adhere to the teachings of Prophet Mohammad, rejecting the fundamental belief in "There is no God but Allah", or are derogatorily labeled as Kafirs (infidels) by Islamic followers.
However, despite the well-established theological foundation of these Islamic terms, they have been adopted as war cries by terrorist and extremist groups, and opposition politicians have frequently used these terms in their statements.
Political Rhetoric and Radicalization
Despite the clear theological foundation of these Islamist concepts, which unfortunately have been utilized as rallying cries by extremist factions, opposition politicians have appropriated these terms, ostensibly to safeguard secularism from what they perceive as the "communal" policies and prejudices of the BJP.
Mamata Banerjee, the Chief Minister of West Bengal, faced criticism in June 2022 for urging her party members and followers to initiate a "struggle against the BJP '', which she termed as "Jihad against BJP". Subsequently, on January 22, 2024, the day Prime Minister Narendra Modi unveiled Ram Lalla's idol in Ram Mandir, Mamata Banerjee reportedly delivered a provocative speech, urging Islamists to rally their battle cry. Addressing the gathering at Park Circus Maidan, she issued a stern warning to those who support or vote for BJP. She said, "Ek bat yaad rakhna, BJP ko madad mat karna, BJP ko agar tum log madad karoge koi to Allah ki kasam aap logo ko koi mafi nhi karega hum to mafi nhi karenge." (Translated – Do remember one thing, don't support/assist/vote for BJP. I am swearing on Allah if you help/assist BJP, nobody would forgive you, let alone me.) In her address at Circus Maidan during the 'Sarv Dharm Sambhav' rally, she also reportedly said, "Jo Kafir hain, woh darte hain, Jo ladte hain, woh jeet te hain."
TMC MLA Humayun Kabir also threatened to "drown Hindus in the Bhagirathi River within two hours" or he would retire from active politics while campaigning for the Lok Sabha elections in West Bengal's Murshidabad district.
The BJP unleashed fierce criticism against Mamata Banerjee for her controversial and Islamist statements, with opposition leader Suvendu Adhikari suggesting her hate-filled speech revealed a "jihadi" inclination.
Similarly, during his tenure as Home Minister in the UPA era, Shivraj Patil once justified the utilization of Jihad as a potentially viable last resort to achieve noble objectives, drawing a perplexing parallel by suggesting that Lord Krishna imparted teachings on Jihad to Arjuna in the Bhagavad Gita. On 20th October 2022, Shivraj Patil asserted, "There is a lot of discussion about Islam. And our work in the Indian Parliament is not about Jihad but ideals. Jihad is only evoked when all efforts, undertaken with a clear mind, fail." The former Home Minister further alleged, "It is said that when all efforts fail, one can use power (Shakti) against the other." Patil drew false equivalence between the Dharmic concept of Shakti and Jihad, a term used by Islamists to kill and maim non-Muslims across the globe. "The concept of Jihad is not limited to the Quran but also the Bhagavad Gita, which is a part of Mahabharata," he continued. "Lord Krishna had taught Arjuna about Jihad (In Bhagwat Gita). And Jihad does not exist only in Hindu and Islamic scriptures. It is also present in the Holy text of Christians," he insinuated.
The Trivialization of Radicalization
Political leaders invoking terms like "Jihad" and "Kafir" in their rhetoric not only normalizes extremist ideologies but also alienates and ostracizes minorities, creating a fertile ground for radicalization. The line between legitimate political dissent and incitement to violence becomes increasingly blurred. Moreover, such inflammatory remarks undermine the principles of secularism and religious harmony that are enshrined in the Indian Constitution. They sow seeds of discord and polarization within society, potentially leading to social unrest and communal tensions.
The Role of Political Parties
While opposition parties claim to champion secularism and minority rights, their use of Islamist rhetoric and overt appeals to religious sentiments raise questions about their commitment to these ideals. It is incumbent upon all political parties to condemn such divisive language and promote an inclusive narrative that unites rather than divides.
The BJP, on the other hand, has been consistent in its condemnation of such remarks, labeling them as an insult to democracy and the Constitution. The party has called for strict action against leaders who engage in such rhetoric, emphasizing the need to uphold the principles of free and fair elections.
The Way Forward
As the nation grapples with this issue, it is crucial for politicians to exercise restraint and responsibility in their rhetoric. Political discourse should be rooted in reason, facts, and a commitment to the well-being of all citizens, regardless of their religious or ideological affiliations.
Civil society organizations, media, and educational institutions have a vital role to play in promoting rational discourse and countering the spread of radicalization. By fostering an environment of open dialogue, critical thinking, and respect for diversity, these institutions can help shape a more inclusive and tolerant society. Ultimately, the strength of India's democracy lies in its ability to embrace diversity while upholding the principles of secularism and equality enshrined in its Constitution. The controversy surrounding 'Vote Jihad' serves as a reminder of the need for all stakeholders to remain vigilant against forces that seek to undermine these fundamental values.
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