In a recent panel discussion on the YouTube channel ‘Satya Hindi,’ journalist-turned-panelist Saba Naqvi introduced a new election conspiracy theory. She asserted that names of Muslim voters are mysteriously disappearing, contributing to the Congress party’s indecision on accepting or rejecting an invitation to the Ayodhya event.
The panel discussion, centered on the topic ‘Congress and Ram Mandir – Why party can’t decide to accept or reject Ayodhya invitation?,’ featured Naqvi expressing frustration over the focus on Ram Mandir discussions amid global events like the war in Gaza.
Naqvi criticised the extensive coverage of the Ram Mandir, calling it “Bakwaas (nonsense)” and accused the BJP of winning a political game with the Ayodhya issue. She suggested that the Congress is hesitant due to fear of the BJP.
Saba Naqvi, on a public platform calls Ram Mandir and Hindu Dharma a ‘Bakwass’ pic.twitter.com/asUG5i8ESJ
— Organiser Weekly (@eOrganiser) January 1, 2024
The former political editor of Outlook Magazine also claimed that Muslim voters are becoming weaker, and their names are disappearing from voter lists, alleging BJP’s manipulation for political gains.
Despite Naqvi’s frustration, she agreed that Congress should provide a clear response to the invitation, emphasising the party’s fear of the BJP. The discussion revealed Naqvi’s discontent with the constant coverage of Ram Mandir and frustration with the Congress’s reluctance to take a clear stand.
Naqvi’s comments echo a pattern of criticism from some quarters against the upcoming Ram Mandir Pran Pratishtha, showcasing the ongoing polarisation and differing perspectives on the historic event.
On May 18, 2022, she shared a picture of the Bhabha Atomic Research Centre, sarcastically suggesting the discovery of a ‘Huge Shivling‘ inside. This post attracted criticism for its attempt to ridicule religious symbols.
Additionally, Naqvi, along with Mohammed Zubair and others, faced legal consequences as the Uttar Pradesh Police registered an FIR for sharing a manipulated video in which they alleged that an elderly Muslim man was beaten for refusing to chant ‘Jai Shri Ram.’
In 2018, entrepreneur Arun Pudur uncovered a tweet from Naqvi, where she insinuated the saffronisation of Sambhar masala powder. Posting a picture of ‘Brahmin Sambhar powder‘ sachet, she tweeted, “My discovery in Karwar region near the coast of Karnataka. Anant Kumar hedge country (suggesting a Hindu land)…”
Investigating the history of Eastern Condiments Pvt Ltd, the company responsible for the Sambhar powder, revealed that it was founded by M.E. Meeran, who belonged to a Muslim family in Kerala. Naqvi’s tweets and posts have drawn criticism for their perceived attempt to create communal discord and spread misinformation.
