SDPI Slams Modi’s Muslim Youth Insult, Urges Apology

The Social Democratic Party of India strongly condemns Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s remarks that the misuse of Waqf properties forced Muslim youths into menial jobs like fixing cycle punctures. This statement is not only factually misleading but also deeply insulting, perpetuating harmful stereotypes. We find such rhetoric unacceptable from the leader of a diverse nation. Modi’s attempt to link complex socio-economic challenges faced by Muslims solely to Waqf mismanagement oversimplifies systemic issues like unemployment, lack of educational access, and entrenched discrimination, which require comprehensive policy solutions, not divisive soundbites.

Modi’s assertion that the Congress’s 2013 Waqf Act amendments enabled land mafias, while ignoring decades of mismanagement across administrations, including those led by his own party, lacks credibility and reeks of political opportunism. The “puncture-wallah” remark is particularly reprehensible, as it trivializes the struggles of millions of Muslims who face structural barriers, with 31% living below the poverty line compared to the national average of 22%, according to the Sachar Committee findings. Instead of addressing these realities, the Prime Minister resorted to rhetoric that risks alienating an entire community. His challenge to the Congress on Muslim representation further diverts attention from his own party’s failure to field Muslim candidates, with zero Muslim MPs in 2024, exposing a double standard.

The SDPI demands an immediate apology from the Prime Minister for his insensitive remarks and urges him to foster dialogue that unites rather than divides. India’s progress depends on equitable policies that address unemployment—running at 7.8% nationally—and education gaps, not on stereotypes that erode trust. The SDPI remains committed to advocating for social justice and will continue to hold the government accountable for rhetoric and policies that fail to respect the dignity of all citizens.

BM Kamble
National Vice President
Social Democratic Party of India