PDP President Mehbooba Mufti has strongly criticized Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma for his recent remarks blaming Muslims for the rise in prices. In her scathing response, Mufti highlighted the failure of the BJP-led government to address unemployment and inflation, citing Sarma’s comments as a reflection of their inability to tackle pressing issues affecting the people. She called upon the judiciary to take suo-motu notice of Sarma’s inflammatory statements and stressed the need for consistent action against all forms of provocative rhetoric.

Mufti took to Twitter to express her concerns, stating, “Assam CM blaming Muslims for crippling price rise shows BJP’s utter failure on unemployment, inflation, and lack of development. Himanta Biswa is openly urging Hindus to forcibly take away even their meagre forms of livelihood – vegetable vendors and kirana shops.” Her tweet emphasized the contrasting treatment by the judiciary, pointing out how swift action was taken against Congress leader Rahul Gandhi for raising corruption-related questions and suggesting that similar scrutiny should be applied to Sarma’s provocative statements.

The controversy erupted when reporters questioned Himanta Biswa Sarma about the soaring prices of vegetables in Guwahati. In response, Sarma made a controversial statement, saying, “Vegetables are not priced so high in villages. Here, the Miya vendors charge us more. Had it been Assamese vendors selling vegetables, they would not have fleeced their own people.” The term “Miya” is originally a derogatory term for Bengali-speaking Muslims in Assam. However, in recent years, some members of the community have reclaimed it as an act of defiance.

Opposition parties in Assam swiftly condemned Chief Minister Sarma, accusing him of indulging in communal politics. They denounced his remarks and emphasized the importance of responsible leadership that fosters unity instead of sowing division among communities. Sarma’s comments were seen as exacerbating tensions and promoting a narrative that targets a specific religious group, thereby undermining the spirit of harmony and coexistence.

Mehbooba Mufti’s demand for the judiciary to intervene in this matter resonated with many, who believe that inflammatory statements made by public figures should not go unchecked. Mufti’s call for suo-motu notice against Sarma’s comments underscores the need for consistent action against those who propagate hate speech or incite violence through their public statements. This incident has sparked a broader debate on the role of the judiciary in curbing hate speech and ensuring that responsible speech is encouraged in public discourse.

The clash between PDP President Mehbooba Mufti and Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma over the latter’s remarks blaming Muslims for rising prices has intensified the political landscape in the region. Mufti’s scathing criticism and call for judicial action highlight the need for accountability among public figures and stress the importance of promoting inclusive and responsible leadership. As the controversy continues to unfold, it remains to be seen how the judiciary and other stakeholders will respond to these provocative statements and work towards fostering a more harmonious and tolerant society.