SP MP Iqra Hasan condemns Shiva temple vandalism, recalls being insulted during visit

Saharanpur: Samajwadi Party MP Iqra Hasan has strongly condemned the recent vandalism of a Shiva temple in Chapaur village and recalled being insulted during her visit to the area.

The incident occurred on October 1 at the Shiva Lakshmi Junior High School in Chapaur, where idols inside the temple were found damaged. Police later arrested two Muslim teenagers in connection with the case.

Addressing an all-male panchayat in Chapaur on Sunday, Hasan, who represents the Kairana constituency, said she was called a “mulli” amid tensions following the vandalism. Speaking emotionally, she added, “Mujhe mulli kaha gaya (I was called a mulli). But the manner in which language was used about wealth, community, and women’s character — will we give this message across our country that such is my society?”

Hasan said she had been advised by officials not to visit Chapaur, but insisted on going. “The authorities asked me not to go, but I said, this is my area, why shouldn’t I go? I’m here not for politics but to speak for the people,’” she said.

Rejecting claims that she supported the accused, Hasan emphasized, “If anyone from my family or community has done this, they should be punished — and punished strictly.”

Urging the community to maintain peace, the 31-year-old MP added, “I have never done politics on the basis of religion or caste. If anyone doesn’t like my work, they can vote me out after five years. But am I not your daughter?”

Hasan called the destruction of any religious place “unacceptable” and demanded strict action against the culprits “regardless of their community.”