- Recent Islamophobic and derogatory remarks by BJP MP Ramesh Bidhuri towards Muslim Parliamentarian Danish Ali warrant examination.
- These instances serve as stark illustrations of the pervasive Islamophobia within India’s BJP Government, spanning from the highest echelons of the socio-political hierarchy down to the grassroots level of society.
BJP MP Ramesh Bidhuri’s recent Islamophobic and derogatory remarks towards Muslim Parliamentarian Danish Ali demand a meticulous examination, guided by the principles of intellectual rigor. Let us deconstruct the pejorative terms employed:
- Bharwa (Pimp): The usage of such a derogatory term, namely “pimp,” represents a regrettable resort to personal vilification and does not contribute to substantive political discourse. There is no evidence of such activities of the Muslim parliamentarian in question. Furthermore, we saw a surge of lecherous men celebrating Holi and other festivals such as Ganpati Visarjan across India: https://youtu.be/suiVf6LNGQI?si=FHpCPD4tuv_Y7pML https://youtube.com/shorts/Z8NZH4QY8ao?si=5Fym20eqJi_0P6NY Much to the extent that Indian news outlets began issuing advisories to tourists, urging them to exercise vigilance and discretion in light of concerns related to individuals displaying perverted behaviour during the festive occasion of Holi. This cautionary advice stemmed from the recognition that, amid the exuberant revelry and colourful festivities that typify Holi celebrations, instances of inappropriate conduct and sexual harassment have been repeatedly reported.
- Katwa (Circumcised): The reference to circumcision, a religious practice observed by Muslim males, ought not to be wielded as an instrument of insult, particularly since the numerous medical health benefits that the practice brings: i.e. a decreased risk of urinary tract infections, a reduced risk of sexually transmitted diseases, a reduced risk of cancer and prevention of balanitis.
- Mullah: The term “Mullah,” which traditionally denotes a Muslim religious scholar or cleric, should not be weaponized as an epithet to denigrate an individual based on their religious identity, as a recent Daily Mail article illustrates how Muslims have the highest life satisfaction. Consequently, the more a religious a Muslim maybe, the happier he/she is likely to be.
- Atankwadi (Terrorist) and Ugrawadi (Militant): Levying accusations of terrorism without substantiated evidence is a grave indictment that can inflict unwarranted harm and reputational damage. Such claims should only be advanced upon the presentation of credible information and due process. Let’s have a look at India, the real terrorists: Cow vigilantes killed at least 44 people in three years, report finds (the print.in) RSS carried out bombings across India to bring BJP in power: Former senior leader of RSS (thesouthasiatimes.com) BBC News | SOUTH ASIA | Missionary ‘killer’ arrested in India
The actions seen in Indian Parliament only further highlight how minorities in India are mistreated, have had their rights stripped from them and are disrespected in Parliament. Such derogatory expressions have indeed been articulated by a public figure, such as an MP, it is incumbent upon the authorities to take requisite measures to uphold the standards of conduct and decorum befitting a so called democratic nation. However, as we see, India is anything but a democratic nation. BJP MP Ramesh Bidhuri has been issued a mere warning. The subsequent social media post in circulation resonates deeply, offering profound insights into the present condition of the Indian Parliament:
