Congress Condemns Arrest of Ashoka University Professor, Says BJP is "Fearful" of Dissenting Voices

Strategic Insights -

The Congress party has strongly condemned the arrest of Ashoka University professor Ali Khan Mahmudabad, accusing the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) of being "fearful" of any opinion that it dislikes. This comes as a Madhya Pradesh minister, Vijay Shah, made "disgusting" comments about Colonel Sofiya Qureshi, with the Congress calling for his sacking. The arrest has sparked widespread criticism, with the Supreme Court agreeing to urgently hear Mahmudabad's petition against his detention. The Congress has also highlighted other incidents of trolling related to the current conflict with Pakistan, including the targeting of a grieving widow and a serving Colonel in the Indian Army.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Congress party has condemned the arrest of Ashoka University professor Ali Khan Mahmudabad, accusing the BJP of being "fearful" of dissenting voices.
  • Madhya Pradesh minister Vijay Shah has made "disgusting" comments about Colonel Sofiya Qureshi, prompting the Congress to call for his sacking.
  • The Supreme Court has agreed to urgently hear Mahmudabad's petition against his arrest, which was made based on suo motu cognisance by the Haryana State Commission for Women.
  • The Congress has highlighted other incidents of trolling related to the current conflict with Pakistan, including the targeting of a grieving widow and a serving Colonel in the Indian Army.
  • Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge has condemned any form of character assassination, vilification, or harassment of individuals, and has called for an end to such practices by both fringe elements and official state machinery.
  • The BJP's failure to sack its own minister who made disparaging comments against a serving Colonel in the Indian Army has been criticized by the Congress, with Kharge suggesting that this reflects a broaderized narrative that any form of dissent or criticism is met with punishment.

Statistics:

  • 26 people were killed in the April 22 terror attack in Kashmir's Pahalgam, including Himanshi Narwal, the wife of a Navy officer.
  • Mahmudabad's arrest has sparked widespread criticism, with the Supreme Court agreeing to urgently hear his petition against his detention.
  • The Haryana State Commission for Women took suo motu cognisance of Mahmudabad's comments, leading to his arrest.
  • The Congress has called for the removal of Madhya Pradesh minister Vijay Shah for his "disgusting" comments about Colonel Sofiya Qureshi.
  • 22 April terror attack in Kashmir's Pahalgam resulted in 26 deaths.

Sources:

  • Congress party's X post by President Mallikarjun Kharge
  • Hindustan Times article published on May 19, 2023