In a strongly worded response to BJP MP Nishikant Dubey’s recent remark, Former Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) SY Quraishi has condemned the labeling of his identity as a "Muslim commissioner". Quraishi emphasized that an individual’s worth should be defined by their contributions and talents rather than their religious background. This controversy comes amid Quraishi's vocal criticism of the controversial Waqf (Amendment) Act, which he has publicly referred to as a “sinister plan” by the government to seize Muslim lands.

The Remark and Quraishi’s Response

The dispute started when Nishikant Dubey responded to Quraishi’s criticism of the Waqf Act by making personal attacks on Quraishi’s religious identity. Dubey, a prominent BJP MP, accused Quraishi of prioritizing his Muslim identity over his duties as a public official. He implied that Quraishi was more focused on religious issues than on his responsibilities as the Chief Election Commissioner, alleging that his tenure had led to the registration of Bangladeshi infiltrators as voters.

In response to these remarks, Quraishi, who served as the CEC from 2010 to 2012, rejected such labels and emphasized that an individual should be valued for their professional contributions rather than being reduced to their religious identity. He reiterated his belief in a secular India where people should not be defined by religion but by their abilities and achievements. In an official statement, Quraishi said, “I believe in an idea of India where an individual is defined by his or her talents and contributions and not by their religious identities. Unfortunately, for some, religious identities are a staple to forward their hateful politics.”

The Waqf Act Controversy

The crux of the dispute lies in Quraishi’s opposition to the Waqf (Amendment) Act, which he criticized as a government initiative to unfairly seize Muslim properties. Quraishi argued that the law, under the guise of reform, could ultimately result in the appropriation of Muslim lands. This stance led to a fierce exchange between him and Dubey, with the BJP MP accusing Quraishi of having a personal agenda linked to his religious identity rather than being focused on the larger democratic and electoral issues during his time as CEC.

Quraishi’s criticism of the Waqf Act has been supported by various figures who have applauded his career and professional integrity. Notably, K. Mahesh, an IAS officer and academic leader, praised Quraishi’s legacy, highlighting his role in the introduction of voter education reforms and the establishment of the India International Institute of Democracy and Election Management. Mahesh also quoted Dr. Gopalkrishna Gandhi, who hailed Quraishi as “one of the most remarkable CECs we have ever had or are likely to have.”

Dubey’s Attack on the Chief Justice of India

The controversy further escalated when Nishikant Dubey targeted Chief Justice of India Sanjiv Khanna, accusing him of inflaming religious wars in India. This marked a dangerous escalation of the debate over religious identity and the role of the judiciary in India’s democracy. The BJP distanced itself from Dubey’s remarks, affirming that his views were personal and did not reflect the party’s stance.

In response to these attacks, Quraishi reaffirmed his belief in the secular fabric of India, stating that such divisive politics undermine the country’s core democratic values and only fuel hate. His comments continue to resonate with many who believe that politics should transcend religious lines and focus on the greater good of the nation.

Quraishi’s Legacy and Secularism

As a former Chief Election Commissioner, Quraishi is widely respected for his professional achievements and contributions to India’s electoral system. He has been praised for his commitment to maintaining the integrity and fairness of the Election Commission, playing a pivotal role in reforms aimed at making India’s elections more inclusive and transparent.

For Quraishi, the secular idea of India has always been central to his values. He has continually emphasized that the nation’s strength lies in its diversity, and that religious identity should not be used as a political tool to divide communities. He argued that national unity could only be achieved through an unwavering commitment to secularism and mutual respect, irrespective of individual religious affiliations.

Dubey’s Views and BJP’s Position

The BJP, while distancing itself from Dubey’s remarks, has been embroiled in a growing debate over religious identities and their influence on Indian politics. Dubey’s remarks regarding Quraishi’s Muslim identity have been interpreted by many as an attempt to polarize the political landscape along religious lines. By invoking Quraishi’s religion, Dubey inadvertently brought the issue of religion into the political discourse, which many see as a dangerous precedent in a democracy that has long prided itself on its secular constitution.

The row highlights the rising tensions within India’s political environment, where issues like religion, identity, and political allegiance have increasingly become entangled. As the debate over the Waqf Act and the role of religious identity in politics continues, the future of secularism in India remains a key issue for public discourse.

Conclusion

This latest exchange between SY Quraishi and Nishikant Dubey serves as a reminder of the persistent challenges faced by India in balancing its secular values with the pressures of identity politics. As Quraishi continues to champion the idea that talent and contributions should define individuals rather than religious affiliation, the ongoing controversy over the Waqf Act serves as a focal point for broader debates on India’s political landscape. As tensions mount, both Quraishi’s critics and supporters will continue to grapple with the role of religion in shaping India’s future.

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