Hindu extremists twist Congress MP Imran’s remarks, brand him ‘anti-India’
‘Just as Bhagat Singh fought Britishers, Hamas resisting Israeli occupation’
Saharanpur: In India’s Uttar Pradesh, Hindu extremist groups have launched a smear campaign against Congress MP Imran Masood, accusing him of being “anti-India” after he drew a historical comparison between Indian freedom fighter Bhagat Singh and the Palestinian resistance movement Hamas.
According to Kashmir Media Service, Masood, while speaking on a podcast, had said that just as Bhagat Singh fought British occupation, Hamas was resisting Israeli occupation — a remark made in the context of anti-colonial struggles. However, right-wing groups, led by the Hindu Raksha Dal, distorted his words to claim that he had called Bhagat Singh a “terrorist.”
Hundreds of Hindu activists staged a protest outside the SSP office in Saharanpur, demanding Masood’s arrest under sedition charges. Police were deployed to prevent escalation as the mob shouted anti-Muslim slogans.
Imran Masood clarified that his remarks were misinterpreted and reaffirmed his respect for Bhagat Singh, saying, “I only spoke about resistance against oppression, not to insult any national hero.” Muslim scholars and civil society leaders condemned the campaign, terming it an attempt to vilify Muslim politicians and silence dissenting voices.
Analysts noted that Hindu extremist outfits routinely twist statements by Muslim leaders to stoke communal tensions and reinforce their narrative of portraying Muslims as “anti-national.” Rights activists warned that such manufactured outrage undermines free speech and fuels hate politics in India.
