Iltija Mufti, PDP leader and daughter of former Jammu & Kashmir Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti, has stirred a political storm with her remarks on Hindutva and the use of the Jai Shri Ram slogan. Reacting to a viral video from Madhya Pradesh’s Ratlam, Iltija referred to Hindutva as a "disease" and alleged that the slogan was being used as a tool for violence and lynching, particularly targeting Muslims.

Iltija's Statement

Speaking about the distinction between Hinduism and Hindutva, Iltija said: "Hindutva and Hinduism are very different. Hindutva, introduced by Savarkar, is a hateful philosophy that seeks to dominate others. The slogan 'Jai Shri Ram' is no longer about Ram Rajya; it’s being used to justify violence, including the lynching of Muslim children." Iltija also accused Hindutva of corrupting the essence of Hinduism, which she praised as a religion that, like Islam, promotes secularism, love, and compassion.

Political Backlash

Her comments drew sharp reactions from political leaders across the spectrum: BJP leader Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi criticized Iltija, stating, "Hindutva is an integral part of India’s culture. Iltija needs to study Sanatan culture. She suffers from Hindutva-phobia." J&K BJP chief Ravinder Raina condemned her remarks as "uncivil and inappropriate", adding, "She must apologize for disrespecting Lord Ram." Congress leader Surendra Rajput called out extremism on both sides, saying, "It’s not right to malign an entire religion. Fanatics exist everywhere, and they should be condemned, regardless of religion."

Public Reaction

In a social media post, Iltija highlighted a viral incident where Muslim minors were allegedly mistreated for refusing to chant "Jai Shri Ram." She wrote, "Even Lord Ram would hang his head in shame at the misuse of his name to attack minors."

Congress Divided on the Issue

While Congress leader Rashid Alvi defended Iltija’s remarks as balanced and appreciated her differentiation between Hindutva and Hinduism, others in the party distanced themselves, emphasizing the need to refrain from generalizing religious sentiments.

BJP Hits Back

BJP leader Ajay Alok dismissed Iltija’s comments, calling the Mufti family a "disease for the country." He said, "If Hindutva is a disease for her, she should stay away from it. If she’s affected by it, there’s no cure for her."

Context of the Controversy

Iltija’s remarks come amid growing debates over the use of the Jai Shri Ram slogan, with critics alleging its misuse in incidents of mob violence. While her comments have sparked a polarized debate, they underscore the larger discourse on the distinction between religion and political ideology. The controversy continues to fuel heated exchanges, reflecting the charged political climate in India over religious and ideological issues.