Srinagar: Mehbooba Mufti, President of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), has launched a vigorous critique against the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), accusing it of efforts to dismantle the foundational principles of the Indian Constitution. Her remarks were in response to a recent directive in Muzaffarnagar, Uttar Pradesh, which she interprets as an attack on the constitutional rights of minorities.
According to Kashmir Media Service, Mufti highlighted the directive that requires shop and kiosk owners in Muzaffarnagar to display their names prominently. She argued that this policy serves as a tool to single out Muslim shopkeepers, thus making them vulnerable to targeted violence and discrimination. This move, she noted, reflects a broader strategy by the BJP to erode constitutional safeguards and promote an agenda of exclusion.
Echoing concerns previously expressed by Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, Mufti stated that the ongoing actions of the BJP are fulfilling Gandhi’s warnings about potential constitutional changes aimed at undermining secular principles. She criticized Prime Minister Narendra Modi for his silence on the issue and challenged him to take a definitive stand on the matter.
Furthermore, Mufti expressed fears that while the immediate targets of such policies appear to be Muslims, other marginalized groups such as Dalits might soon find themselves similarly affected. The statement came as former trade union leader Khurshid Alam rejoined the PDP, underscoring a moment of consolidation and reflection within the party amidst these controversies.