New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s recent comment about Muslims during the inauguration of an airport in Hisar, Haryana, has ignited a fierce backlash from opposition leaders, who have denounced the statement as “insensitive and divisive.”
Addressing the misuse of Waqf properties, PM Modi remarked, “If Waqf properties had been used honestly, Muslim youths wouldn’t need to earn a livelihood from repairing bicycle punctures. But only a few land mafia benefited from these properties. This mafia was looting lands belonging to Dalit, backward sections and widows.” The comment was made while discussing the amendments to the Waqf law, which the government claims will address systemic issues related to these properties.
Opposition leaders quickly took to social media and public forums to condemn the remark. Congress spokesperson Supriya Shrinate was among the first to respond, stating, “You are an elected Prime Minister, not an abusive troll,” criticizing Modi for making an insensitive comment while also highlighting his absence during a tribute to BR Ambedkar in Parliament.
AIMIM Chief Asaduddin Owaisi also joined the criticism, pointing out that had the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) genuinely worked in the nation’s interest, PM Modi would not have had to sell tea in his childhood. Owaisi questioned the government’s performance on poverty and employment, arguing, “The biggest reason for what happened with Waqf properties is that Waqf laws were always weak. Modi’s Waqf amendments will weaken them further.”
The Opposition has also raised concerns about the lack of Muslim representation in the BJP. Congress MP Imran Pratapgarhi remarked, “You want to do good for Muslims through the Waqf Bill, but you don’t have one Muslim MP to present it in the Lok Sabha.” He further criticized the PM’s “puncture repair” comment, likening it to “troll-like language” and accused the BJP of sidelining Muslim leaders.
Samajwadi Party’s Abu Azmi questioned the government’s sincerity, asking, “If Muslims are poor and fixing punctures, which Muslim have you made MP/MLA or minister?”
