New Delhi: Remarks by BJP Minority Morcha leader Nazia Elahi Khan calling for a boycott of Muslims in employment and public life have sparked criticism from opposition leaders, journalists, and activists, who described the comments as discriminatory and contrary to constitutional principles.
During a press conference, Khan reportedly urged Hindus to boycott Muslims in both government and private sector jobs for the next two to three years. She argued that Hindus should remain vigilant and alleged that India faced threats from people within the country whom she described as having a “Pakistani mentality”. She also claimed that different forms of “jihad” were taking place in India and called for Muslims to be excluded from employment opportunities and other spheres of public life.
The remarks drew a strong response from Congress Rajya Sabha MP Syed Naseer Hussain. He called the statement a direct attack on the Constitution and the secular foundations of the republic. Hussain also objected to Khan’s references to Islamic scripture, accusing her of misrepresenting verses from the Holy Quran to portray Muslims negatively.
According to Hussain, portraying millions of Indian Muslims as disloyal or unsuitable for employment promotes division and threatens communal harmony. He demanded an apology from the BJP for what he described as an unconstitutional and religion-based call for exclusion.
Journalist Mohammed Zubair also criticised the remarks and questioned the lack of pushback during the press conference. He argued that public calls for the social and economic boycott of Muslims were being normalised. Journalists Vaishna Roy and Zeba Warsi similarly condemned the statement, with Warsi describing it as an “apartheid-style” call.
Khan has previously faced criticism over remarks related to Muslims, Islamic institutions, and allegations linking the community to security concerns. Critics argue that such statements deepen social divisions and increase hostility towards Indian Muslims.
