BJP MP Nishikant Dubey sparked controversy by calling ex-CEC SY Quraishi a “Muslim commissioner” over his Waqf Act criticism. Quraishi responded strongly, saying identity should be based on merit, not religion.
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NEW DELHI: BJP Member of Parliament Nishikant Dubey criticized former Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) S Y Quraishi, calling him a “Muslim commissioner“ instead of a fair election commissioner.
This remark came soon after Quraishi strongly criticized the Waqf (Amendment) Act, calling it a dangerous move by the government.
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Quraishi had earlier shared his thoughts on the social media platform X on April 17, saying:
“Wakf Act is undoubtedly a blatantly sinister evil plan of the govt to grab Muslim lands. I’m sure SC will call it out. Misinformation by the mischievous propaganda machine has done its job well.”
This statement from Quraishi sparked a big political reaction. In reply, Nishikant Dubey accused him of not acting neutrally when he was in office.
He said:
“You were not an election commissioner, you were a Muslim commissioner. The maximum number of Bangladeshi infiltrators were made voters in Santhal Pargana in Jharkhand during your tenure.”
SY Quraishi Responds to “Muslim Commissioner” Remark
SY Quraishi, who served as Chief Election Commissioner from 2010 to 2012, strongly condemned Dubey’s comment. He said that people should not be judged based on their religion but on their actions and skills.
In a statement to PTI, he stated:
“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.”
He added further:
“India has, is, and will always stand up and fight for its constitutional institutions and principles.”
Quraishi has always supported a secular and democratic India, and many have praised his work at the Election Commission.
Support for Quraishi’s Work
Many senior officers and experts have spoken in support of SY Quraishi’s legacy. IAS officer K. Mahesh, who is the honorary president of the Delhi Administration Officers Academic Forum, appreciated Quraishi’s efforts. He mentioned how Quraishi introduced several important reforms like:
- Creating the Voters’ Education Division
- Establishing the India International Institute of Democracy and Election Management
He also referred to Dr. Gopalkrishna Gandhi’s remarks about Quraishi:
“One of the most remarkable CECs we have ever had or are likely to have.”
Nishikant Dubey Also Attacks Chief Justice of India
This controversy is not the first recent statement from Dubey that caused political heat. A day before attacking Quraishi, he also made remarks against Chief Justice of India Sanjiv Khanna, blaming him for encouraging “religious wars“ in the country.
However, the BJP party later distanced itself from Dubey’s statements and made it clear that his opinions are not the party’s official views.
The war of words between BJP MP Nishikant Dubey and former CEC SY Quraishi has once again brought focus to the sensitive issue of religion in Indian politics.
While Quraishi has stood firm on his belief in constitutional values and secularism, Dubey’s remarks have raised questions about the use of religious identity in public debates.
This incident also comes at a time when the Waqf (Amendment) Act is being closely watched and criticized by several communities, especially for its possible impact on Muslim-owned properties.
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