Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) spokesperson Vinod Bansal on Sunday condemned Iltija Mufti, daughter of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) chief Mehbooba Mufti, over her "derogatory" remarks about Hindutva and Lord Ram while accusing the former Chief Minister of trying to launch her political career by attacking Hindu beliefs and Shri Ram.
Iltija Mufti posted a video on X, a social media platform through which she said, "Even Lord Ram will bow his head in helplessness and shame after seeing all this that minor Muslim children are being beaten with chappals using his name just because they refused to take the name of Ram.
She called Hindutva a disease and said it had "affected millions of Indians and tarnished the name of Lord."
Bansal shot back sharply saying, "It is becoming a trend in the opposition politics of our country that whenever a politician launches or re-launches a new or failed product, they gain cheap popularity by attacking Shri Ram Janmabhoomi, Hindu beliefs, Hindutva, and Sanatan. And now Mehbooba Mufti is trying to launch her Shehzadi by attacking Shri Ram and Hindutva.
He criticized the remarks of Iltija Mufti stating that it was a "dramatic move" to get political mileage with Hinduism and Lord Ram under the axe.
Bansal said such attempts have been made previously as well by politicians in terms of attacking Hindu beliefs. He cited examples of previous Congress attempts to target the saffron flag and Shri Ram Janmabhoomi as well as Tamil Nadu Deputy Chief Minister Udhayanidhi Stalin's comments about "destroying" Sanatan Dharma.
"The beloved of Jihadis had to launch her prince by 'hang Shri Ram's head' and declaring Hindutva a disease," he said. He also highlighted attacks on Hindu temples and minorities in Bangladesh and criticized opposition leaders for their silence on these issues.
Bansal concluded with an assertion that Hindus in India are tolerant but not passive.
"They must not test our patience. We believe in democracy but know how to give a befitting reply when needed," he said, cautioning the political leadership to refrain from further provocations.
The reaction has set off a firestorm of a political debate. Iltija Mufti's comments drew sharp criticism from Hindu organisations.
Read also| Mamata Banerjee Says Party, Not Her, Will Decide on Successor
Read also| Sena MLA Reveals Shinde's Demand for Home Portfolio from BJP, Negotiations Underway
