New Delhi / Srinagar — Former Jammu & Kashmir Chief Minister and PDP President Mehbooba Mufti has called upon Rahul Gandhi, Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha, to actively highlight the issue of “Muslim victimisation” during the ongoing Monsoon Session of Parliament. She expressed deep concern over distressing developments in Assam and Bihar in a letter delivered on July 21, 2025.
Highlights from Mehbooba Mufti’s Letter
- Assam flashpoint: Mufti cited the demolition of thousands of Muslim homes, describing it as “deeply troubling” and noted ongoing reports of forced expulsions of Muslims labelled as “Bangladeshis” or “Rohingyas”.
- Bihar SIR Survey Concerns: She warned that the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) in poll-bound Bihar risks being used to “dispossess, disempower, and disenfranchise Muslims, effectively erasing their presence both symbolically and literally” The Indian Express.
- Congress legacy appeal: Mufti reminded Rahul Gandhi of the Congress’s secular legacy—from Mahatma Gandhi to Nehru—and urged him to protect Muslim citizens who “chose to remain in India during Partition” .
- Voice for the voiceless: She praised him as a “rare source of hope for the forgotten and voiceless” and expressed hope that the INDIA bloc would raise Muslim-targeted issues alongside security challenges like the Pahalgam attack and Operation Sindoor .
Why This Matters
This plea from a prominent regional leader spotlights broader national concerns:
- Minority rights at risk: A surge in contentious policies and actions—such as home demolitions, forced migration, and electoral reforms—has alarmed minority communities.
- Parliament’s pivotal role: Mufti’s call to action places pressure on opposition leaders to ensure these issues receive parliamentary debate, rather than being sidelined by security or foreign policy priorities.
- Historical responsibility: By invoking Partition-era trust in Congress’s secularism, the letter seeks to remind the party of its ideological obligations toward Muslim citizens.
What Happens Next
- Parliamentary debate: Rahul Gandhi and the INDIA coalition may choose to table formal questions, raise Adjournment Motions, or pressure the government to respond to the concerns publicly.
- Government reply: Ministerial statements may follow, addressing allegations of misuse of citizenship checks, electoral roll reforms, and home demolitions in Assam and Bihar.
- Public & media scrutiny: With high-profile attention, this issue is expected to gain traction on national media platforms and civil society channels.
What to Watch
- Will Rahul Gandhi take up the mantle and initiate a parliamentary debate on Muslim marginalisation?
- How will the government and ruling coalition respond—through acknowledgements, rejections, or policy commitments?
- Will this spark broader discussions on minority protections in the context of voter roll revisions and demographic changes?
This appeal marks a turning point in framing minority rights as a central parliamentary issue. Stakeholders will be watching closely as the Monsoon Session proceeds.
