Union Minister Satya Pal Singh Baghel has sparked controversy with his recent comments claiming that “tolerant Muslims can be counted on fingers” and that it is a tactic to lead a public life wearing a mask. Baghel made the remarks at an event organized by the RSS’s media wing Indraprastha Vishwa Samvad Kendra to present awards to journalists. He alleged that the real face of “so-called intellectuals” from the Muslim community gets revealed after they complete their term in office or retire.
Baghel, who is the Union Minister of State for Law and Justice, stated that “tolerant Muslims can be counted on fingers. I think their number is not even in the thousands. And, that too is a tactic to live in public life wearing the mask as the route leads to the house of vice president, governor or vice chancellor.” He also claimed that the number of people who have been converted to another religion through “and-tables” (amulets) is larger than those under the swords.
Baghel also raised the issue of religious conversion, alleging that members of the minority community feel that since they were “rulers” for such a long period, how could they become “subjects”? He suggested that the solution to the problem lies in providing good quality education, which can give some solution to the problem one day. “If they study in a madrassa, they will learn Urdu, Arabic, and Persian. All literature is good but with such study, they will become Pesh-Imam. And if they study physics and chemistry, they will become Abdul Kalam,” Mr Baghel added.
Baghel’s remarks came after Information Commissioner Uday Mahurkar, in his speech at the event, said that India must fight Islamic fundamentalism but the “tolerant Muslims should be taken along”. Referring to Mughal emperor Akbar’s efforts to foster Hindu-Muslim unity during his rule, Mahurkar claimed that Chhatrapati Shivaji had seen him in a “positive light”. “Akbar tried his best to achieve Hindu-Muslim unity,” he said. Dismissing the remarks, Baghel, however, termed Akbar’s efforts mere “tactics” and alleged that the Mughal emperor’s marriage with Jodha Bai was part of his “political strategy”.
Baghel’s comments have been met with strong criticism, with many calling his remarks divisive and communal. Some have called for his resignation or removal from office, while others have condemned the RSS for organizing such an event. The incident highlights the ongoing tensions and divisions within Indian society along religious lines.
