The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Sunday condemned People’s Democratic Party (PDP) leader Iltija Mufti for her controversial remark equating Hindutva to a “disease,” urging her to apologize for the statement.

Mufti’s comment came in response to a viral video showing three minor boys in Madhya Pradesh allegedly being forced to chant religious slogans. The authenticity of the video has not been independently verified. Reacting to the incident, Mufti said, “Ram the deity must hang his head in shame and watch helplessly as minor Muslim boys are whacked with chappals only because they refuse to chant his name. Hindutva is a disease that’s afflicted millions of Indians & sullied God’s name.”

BJP leaders strongly criticized the statement, arguing it demonstrated ignorance of India’s cultural and spiritual heritage. Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi, a senior BJP leader, stated, “Those who are unaware of India’s culture and heritage need to be educated about Sanatana culture. Hindutva is about inclusivity and unity. People with a phobia of Hindutva should study it before making such comments.”

Ravindra Raina, another BJP leader, labeled Mufti’s language “derogatory” and demanded an apology. “There may be differences of opinion in politics, but using derogatory language is unacceptable. Iltija Mufti should apologize for her remarks,” Raina asserted.

West Bengal BJP MLA Agnimitra Paul accused Mufti’s family of consistently speaking against India and Hindutva. “Mehbooba Mufti and her daughter have a pattern of making anti-India and anti-Hindutva remarks. This is an insult to both Hinduism and Islam,” Paul said.

In a bid to clarify her position, Mufti later distinguished between Hindutva and Hinduism. “This is an India of Mahatma Gandhi. I have spoken against Hindutva, not Hinduism. I know Hinduism is a religion of peace and compassion. Hindutva, on the other hand, is a disease that must be weeded out,” she explained.

Mufti, who recently contested from the Bijbehara seat in the Jammu and Kashmir Assembly elections, lost to National Conference candidate Bashir Ahmad Shah Veeri. Her remarks have sparked a broader political debate about the intersection of religion and ideology in India’s public discourse.