New Delhi: A video showing a BJP affiliated leader confronting airline staff at Mumbai’s Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport has sparked strong public backlash, with rights advocates accusing her of Islamophobic abuse and religious profiling of Muslim employees.
The video, shared on social media platform X by Nazia Elahi Khan, identified as a BJP minority leader, shows her arguing with IndiGo Airlines ground staff on the airport tarmac. Khan claimed mistreatment during travel. Viewers say the footage instead shows verbal harassment of employees performing assigned duties.
In the clip, Khan makes a communal remark referring to Muslim names, saying the country faces trouble because of “Abdul and Abdullah”. Critics describe the statement as discriminatory and unrelated to staff conduct. The comment focuses on religious identity rather than any service issue.
Khan publicly named three employees, Abdullah Khan, Rehan, and Muinuddin. All three are Muslim. Rights groups and commentators stated public identification of workers and linking religion with national security rhetoric amounts to intimidation in a high security workplace.
Congress leader Shama Mohammed reacted sharply, stating hateful conduct poses the real problem, not the employees. She urged IndiGo Airlines to place Khan on a no fly list and tagged Mumbai Police while seeking registration of a criminal case.
The fact the video was shared by Khan herself deepened concerns among observers. Many social media users stated the footage shows abuse rather than wrongdoing by staff. Calls followed for protection of airline workers and firm accountability for communal harassment.
The incident has renewed debate on safety and dignity for Muslim employees in public facing roles. Rights advocates urged airlines and airport authorities to adopt clear protocols against political pressure and religious abuse.Mumbai airport, Islamophobia, BJP leader controversy, Muslim employees, airline staff harassment
