BJP leader faces backlash for urging boycott of Muslims
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New Delhi: BJP Minority Morcha leader Nazia Elahi Khan has come under intense criticism after publicly calling for a social and economic boycott of Muslims, with opposition leaders, journalists and activists condemning her remarks as discriminatory, divisive and contrary to the Constitution.
Speaking at a press conference, Khan urged Hindus to exclude Muslims from both government and private sector employment for the next two to three years. She justified the appeal by claiming that India faced threats not only from Pakistan but also from individuals within the country whom she accused of having a “Pakistani mentality.” She further alleged that various forms of “jihad” were being carried out in India and questioned the patriotism of Indian Muslims.
The remarks triggered a strong backlash. Congress Rajya Sabha MP Syed Naseer Hussain described the statement as a direct attack on constitutional values and India’s secular foundations. He also accused Khan of misrepresenting Islamic scripture to stigmatise an entire community and argued that portraying Muslims as disloyal or unfit for employment amounted to a dangerous attempt to normalise religious discrimination and social exclusion.
Hussain demanded an apology from the BJP, alleging that the party had promoted an unconstitutional and divisive narrative targeting Muslims. He further linked the controversy to broader accusations that Muslims were being used as political targets for communal polarisation.
Journalist Mohammed Zubair criticised both the statement and the media response, alleging that mainstream news organisations failed to challenge or adequately highlight what he characterised as open hate speech. Journalists Vaishna Roy and Zeba Warsi also condemned the remarks, with Warsi describing the call for exclusion from employment and public life as “apartheid-style.”
Khan, who describes herself as a “Sanatani Muslim,” has previously drawn controversy over comments targeting Muslims, mosques, madrasas and Waqf institutions. Critics argue that her repeated interventions have contributed to anti-Muslim hostility and reinforced communal stereotypes.