Maria Alam Khan, a Samajwadi Party leader and the niece of former Union Minister Salman Khurshid, has stirred controversy by advocating for “vote Jihad” during an election rally in Farrukhabad, Uttar Pradesh. Her remarks, made in the presence of senior Congress leader Salman Khurshid, have ignited a heated debate surrounding communal politics and electoral conduct.
Addressing the rally in support of Samajwadi Party candidate Naval Kishore Shakya, Khan urged Muslims to unite against the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) through the tactic of “vote Jihad.” Her statement, captured in a widely circulated video, called on Muslims to strategically vote in order to thwart the BJP’s electoral prospects. Khan’s invocation of “vote Jihad” has been interpreted as a divisive tactic, drawing swift condemnation from political opponents and sparking discussions about the role of religion in electoral discourse.
WE NEED TO DO VOTE JlHAD: Maria Alam Khan, the niece of Samajwadi Party candidate Salman Khurshid.
— Sunny Raj (@SunnyRajBJP) April 30, 2024
The incident has prompted strong reactions from various quarters, with BJP leaders condemning Khan’s remarks as inflammatory and detrimental to the democratic process. Shehzad Poonawalla of the BJP criticised the opposition parties for allegedly equating elections with Jihad, emphasising the need for secularism in political discourse. Similarly, Amit Malviya, in charge of the BJP’s National Information & Technology Department, lambasted Khan’s comments, arguing that they perpetuate religious polarisation and hinder the progress of the Muslim community.
Maria Alam Khan’s controversial remarks have also raised questions about the Congress party’s stance on communal politics, given her familial ties to Salman Khurshid, a prominent Congress leader. Critics have accused the Congress of failing to rein in its members and allies who engage in divisive rhetoric, undermining the party’s claim to secularism.
The fallout from Khan’s statement has extended beyond political circles, with legal repercussions looming over her actions. An FIR has been lodged against her under sections 188 and 295(A) of the Indian Penal Code for allegedly seeking votes on religious grounds, a violation of the Model Code of Conduct enforced during elections. The legal proceedings underscore the seriousness with which electoral authorities are addressing instances of religious polarisation in campaign rhetoric.
In response to the controversy, Uttar Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Keshav Prasad Maurya condemned the notion of “vote Jihad,” asserting that it runs counter to the principles of democracy and social harmony. He emphasised the need for strict action against individuals found guilty of exploiting communal sentiments for electoral gain.
#WATCH | Lucknow: On a case registered against Congress leader Salman Khurshid's niece Maria Alam Khan over her statement, Uttar Pradesh Deputy CM Keshav Prasad Maurya says, "India stands against any sort of jihad whether it is love, land and newly coined word 'vote… pic.twitter.com/miXcjmAYUf
— ANI (@ANI) May 1, 2024
Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami remarked, “They must have used words like ‘jihad’. We urge people to vote for the BJP and Narendra Modi to ensure a developed India and to re-elect him as Prime Minister.”
#WATCH | Delhi: On a case registered against Congress leader Salman Khurshid's niece Maria Alam Khan over her statement, Uttarakhand CM Pushkar Singh Dhami says, "The word like 'jihad' must have used by them; For a 'Viksit Bharat' we are requesting people to vote for BJP and… pic.twitter.com/1zJhoFz07W
— ANI (@ANI) May 1, 2024
Uttar Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Brajesh Pathak commented, stating, “It is regrettable, and we strongly condemn it. Making appeals of this nature is against the constitution. We will file a complaint with the Election Commission of Uttar Pradesh, and strict action should be taken.”
#WATCH | Lucknow: On a case registered against Congress leader Salman Khurshid's niece Maria Alam Khan over her statement, Uttar Pradesh Dy CM Brajesh Pathak says, "It is sad, we condemn it. Making such an appeal is anti-constitutional and in any case, we will complain about it… pic.twitter.com/549mynUZMp
— ANI (@ANI) May 1, 2024
The incident involving Maria Alam Khan has reignited debates surrounding the intersection of religion and politics in India.
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