The 'Vote Jihad' Controversy Sparks Fly In Election Campaigns

Maria Alam, the niece of veteran Congress leader and former Union Law Minister Salman Khurshid, has sparked controversy at an election rally in Farrukhabad while campaigning for the Samajwadi Party. She urged Muslims to vote strategically and quietly, advocating for the removal of what she termed a "Sanghi government." In her statement, Maria Alam Khan emphasized the importance of Muslims voting smartly without emotional attachment, aiming to overthrow the ruling government. Additionally, she called for a social boycott of Muslims supporting the BJP candidate, Mukesh Rajput, further escalating tensions. The presence of top leaders from both the Congress and Samajwadi Party at the rally underscores the significance of Maria Alam's remarks. However, her statements have drawn sharp criticism from the BJP, which accuses the opposition India Alliance of engaging in polarizing politics. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has condemned the alleged Muslim appeasement by the Congress, accusing them of diverting quotas meant for SCs, STs, and OBCs to garner votes from the Muslim community. In response, leaders from the Congress and India Alliance have defended Maria Alam's statements, asserting that seeking a change of government through democratic means is legitimate. They argue that the BJP's attempt to demonize the term "Vote Jihad" is unwarranted. As the election progresses into its remaining phases, the term "Vote Jihad" has become another point of contention, providing the BJP with ammunition to target the opposition alliance.