Mehbooba Mufti’s Letter to Rahul Gandhi: Urging Action on Muslim Victimisation in India
By: Javid Amin | Srinagar | 21 July 2025
A Wake-Up Call from the Margins
In a nation that prides itself on its democratic values and secular constitution, Mehbooba Mufti’s urgent letter to Rahul Gandhi during the Monsoon Session of Parliament has reignited a simmering conversation about the treatment of minorities in India—specifically Muslims. The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) president didn’t mince her words as she appealed to the Congress leader, urging him to raise the issue of what she termed the “systemic victimisation” of Muslims across the country.
This appeal wasn’t just another political gesture—it was a passionate, public cry to revive India’s fading legacy of inclusivity, justice, and moral leadership. In this long-form article, we explore Mehbooba’s letter in detail, the historical context behind her message, the socio-political implications, and how various stakeholders—from civil society to Parliament—are responding.
Mehbooba Mufti’s Letter: The Core Message
In her pointed letter addressed to Rahul Gandhi, Mehbooba Mufti highlighted a disturbing pattern of policies and events that she believes reflect a systematic marginalisation of Muslims in India. Her letter was both emotional and urgent, designed to prompt action within the country’s highest democratic forum—Parliament.
Key Allegations and Concerns:
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Systemic Targeting under the pretext of identifying “Bangladeshis” and “Rohingyas.”
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Forced Expulsions and demolition of Muslim homes.
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Electoral Disenfranchisement, especially under the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of voter rolls in Bihar.
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Contradictory Outrage—India condemns religious persecution abroad while remaining silent on domestic issues.
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Moral Responsibility of Congress to protect those who stayed back during Partition believing in its secular promise.
Mufti’s plea was rooted not just in politics, but in memory, morality, and the Constitution.
Contextualising the Appeal: A Historical Perspective
Partition & the Secular Promise
When India was divided in 1947, millions of Muslims chose to remain in India, inspired by the dream of a pluralistic, democratic nation. Mehbooba Mufti reminded Rahul Gandhi of this history, placing moral responsibility on the shoulders of Congress—the party most closely associated with India’s secular foundation.
Congress Legacy & The Gandhian Ethos
The Congress under Jawaharlal Nehru promised secularism, fraternity, and protection for all. Gandhi fasted for Hindu-Muslim unity; Nehru championed equal rights. Mehbooba’s letter invoked this moral compass, suggesting that today’s silence is a betrayal of that heritage.
Current Allegations: What’s Happening on the Ground?
Targeting Under the Guise of Anti-Illegal Immigration
Governments across India, especially in border states, have intensified drives against illegal immigrants—primarily “Bangladeshis” and “Rohingyas.” Mehbooba argues that these efforts are increasingly turning into cover for targeting Indian Muslims.
Example: Demolitions in Assam
Reports have emerged from Assam and parts of Delhi and Haryana where homes and settlements belonging to Muslims were demolished, often without formal notices. The justification? “Encroachments.” Critics allege this is communal profiling.
Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of Electoral Rolls in Bihar
One of the most alarming issues Mehbooba highlighted was the SIR of electoral rolls in Bihar. Several Muslim residents have reportedly found their names missing from voter lists. The revisions are being conducted with minimal transparency and under broad suspicions of voter fraud.
Implication: Silent Disenfranchisement
Stripping people of their voting rights isn’t just administrative—it’s deeply political. It’s a method of silencing entire communities from participating in democracy, especially ahead of critical elections.
Contradictory Outrage: International vs Domestic
India has frequently condemned violence and religious discrimination in Pakistan, Bangladesh, and even in Western nations. But Mehbooba questions: Why this silence when similar actions occur inside Indian borders?
This inconsistency fuels distrust and undermines India’s global moral standing.
The Legal & Constitutional Angle
Article 14: Equality Before Law
India’s Constitution promises equality to all citizens. Selective targeting or systemic bias—if proven—violates this foundational principle.
Article 15: Prohibition of Discrimination
Discrimination based on religion, caste, race, or place of birth is explicitly forbidden. Allegations raised by Mehbooba would be unconstitutional if substantiated.
The Right to Vote
Voting is a sacred right. Removing names without due process threatens democratic participation and rule of law.
Need for Judicial Oversight
Several human rights organizations and lawyers argue for stronger judicial checks on such processes. Courts have intervened in the past on eviction and demolition drives, but a larger judicial inquiry is warranted.
Mehbooba’s Vision: Holding the Moral Center
By writing to Rahul Gandhi, Mehbooba isn’t just appealing to a political figure. She’s appealing to a conscience, to a moral center that she believes still exists within Indian democracy. She describes him as a “rare source of hope” and a “voice for the voiceless.”
Her Expectations from Rahul Gandhi:
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Raise the issue vocally during the Monsoon session.
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Demand transparency in electoral revisions.
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Condemn illegal demolitions and expulsions.
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Push for a parliamentary committee to investigate communal profiling.
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Reaffirm secular values in the Congress party’s stand.
Response from Civil Society & Political Commentators
Reactions to Mehbooba’s appeal have been mixed but largely polarized.
Support:
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Human Rights Activists have applauded her courage.
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Civil Liberties Groups want a parliamentary debate.
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Muslim Youth Forums are sharing the letter widely on social media.
Criticism:
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Right-wing commentators dismissed her appeal as communal politics.
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Government spokespeople argue the policies target illegal settlers, not Indian citizens.
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Neutral observers question the timing of the letter, calling it “election posturing.”
The Role of Parliament in Addressing Minority Rights
Parliament is meant to be the voice of the people. But minority issues—particularly those concerning Muslims—are often met with evasion or silence.
What Parliament Can Do:
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Form a cross-party minority rights committee.
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Review the SIR process with third-party oversight.
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Call for judicial review of demolition orders.
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Reaffirm commitment to secularism through a bipartisan resolution.
Voices in Parliament So Far:
So far, very few leaders outside the Muslim community have raised this issue. Mehbooba’s hope rests on Rahul Gandhi breaking that silence.
Connecting the Dots: A Larger Pattern?
Mehbooba Mufti’s letter, when viewed in isolation, may seem like a regional leader’s plea. But when mapped against a series of nationwide events—the CAA protests, NRC controversies, bulldozer politics, and disenfranchisement drives—it appears to be part of a larger pattern.
Threads That Tie Together:
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Fear-based governance.
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Surveillance and control of minority areas.
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Use of administrative tools (voter rolls, land records) for political engineering.
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Silencing of dissent under the guise of national security.
What This Means for India’s Global Image
India aspires to be a Vishwa Guru, a global leader. But allegations of minority victimisation erode this moral credibility.
International Fallout:
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Global human rights reports have flagged India’s treatment of minorities.
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Western democracies have raised concerns during diplomatic exchanges.
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Diaspora backlash is growing, especially in liberal societies.
The Road Ahead: Will Rahul Respond?
The biggest question now is: Will Rahul Gandhi take up the cause?
He has walked across India with his Bharat Jodo Yatra, positioned himself as a unifying leader, and spoken up for the underprivileged. But will he speak on the floor of Parliament for the issue raised by Mehbooba?
If he does, it could:
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Reframe the Congress as a defender of constitutional values.
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Force the government to respond.
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Ignite broader national conversation.
If he stays silent, it risks alienating a significant population that once trusted the Congress to protect them.
Bottom-Line: Silence Is Not Neutral
In politics, silence often equals complicity. Mehbooba Mufti’s letter is a litmus test—not just for Rahul Gandhi but for India’s democratic fabric. Will Parliament debate this issue? Will the Constitution rise above the politics of division? Or will we continue down a path where the voiceless become invisible?
Time will tell. But for now, the letter hangs in the air—waiting for a voice to answer it.
