Iltija Mufti, daughter of former Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti, faced severe backlash from multiple political quarters over her remarks on Hinduism.
Many leaders criticised her for making divisive statements and suggested that she "seek psychiatric help."
The controversy erupted after Iltija posted on X on Saturday, stating, "Hindutva is a disease."
"Even Lord Ram will have to hang his head in shame after seeing all this. Minor Muslim children are being beaten with chappals just because of their refusal to take the name of Ram. Hindutva is a disease that has affected millions of Indians and tarnished the name of God," she wrote.
After the backlash, Iltija clarified that she had invoked Lord Ram in her post to point out the hypocrisy of people who claim to follow Ram Rajya but indulge in brutal acts.
Her remarks sparked sharp reactions from the political leadership across the spectrum, which accused her of making derogatory and divisive remarks against Hinduism.
Speaking to IANS, BJP national spokesperson Ajay Alok said, "The Mufti family is the biggest disease for Jammu and Kashmir and the country. It is better for them to refrain from making such statements against Hindutva. If they think that Hinduism is a disease, they should stay away from it."
Congress MP Imran Masood also said that such statements are "baseless."
"By making such baseless statements, people want to benefit their politics. One should respect all religions. When you do not respect someone's religion and faith, why would they respect yours?" he told IANS.
Maharashtra AIMIM MLA Mohammed Ismail Abdul Khalique said, "It is so obvious the talk of sectarianism. It is such a disease. Our country is secular, and each one has equal rights here. Talking about sectarianism or any kind of discrimination is not the right word."
Maharashtra Congress MLA Amin Patel reminded that the very fundamental rights include the ability to have any religion or practice any want.
"Every person has a right to practice their religion and faith. We, hailing from the land of Ganga and Yamuna, should respect all religions," he said.
Shiv Sena MLA Ashish Jaiswal dismissed her remarks, saying, "She is herself ill."
Maharashtra BJP MLA Yogesh Sagar commented, "She should consult a psychiatrist and get herself tested. She is the daughter of Mehbooba Mufti, so it is not necessary to discuss her."
Maharashtra SP MLA Rohit Pawar insisted that "such derogatory statements" should not be made against any religion.
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