Union Minister for Textiles and senior BJP leader Giriraj Singh has sparked widespread controversy with a statement targeting the Muslim community during a nomination rally in Arwal district, Bihar, on October 18, 2025. The remark comes amid campaigning for the Bihar Assembly elections, scheduled for November 6 and 11.
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The Statement
During the rally, Singh accused Muslims of being “namak haraam” (ungrateful betrayers) for receiving benefits from central government schemes but not supporting the BJP in elections. He shared a personal anecdote about a conversation with a Muslim cleric (maulvi) to make his point:
- Singh asked the cleric if he had an Ayushman Bharat health card, to which the cleric said yes.
- He then asked whether Prime Minister Narendra Modi or Singh himself had ever insulted him. The cleric replied negatively.
- Singh questioned why the cleric had not voted for him. The cleric initially said yes but later retracted when asked to swear on Khuda (God).
- Singh concluded, saying, “Muslims take benefits of all central schemes but don’t vote for us… Such people are called ‘namak haraam’.”
Singh also highlighted government achievements in Bihar, claiming that infrastructure development under the NDA benefits all citizens, not just political supporters. He criticised opposition leaders like Lalu Yadav and Congress for failing in poverty alleviation while praising Modi’s policies.
Follow-Up Defence
On October 19, Singh defended his remarks, saying that welfare schemes such as free rations, Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (housing), and Swachh Bharat toilets are equally available to Hindus and Muslims. He also invoked Islamic principles, claiming that consuming free food is haram in Islam, yet beneficiaries still use government schemes, which he argued showed hypocrisy.
Political Context
The statement comes just weeks before the Bihar Assembly elections, where the NDA (BJP-JD(U)) faces the Mahagathbandhan (RJD-Congress) alliance. Muslims make up about 17% of Bihar’s population, traditionally supporting the RJD-led coalition. Singh’s rhetoric appears aimed at consolidating Hindu votes by portraying Muslims as ungrateful despite receiving government benefits.
Singh has a history of controversial statements, including remarks on creating a “Hindu Pakistan” and comments on “infiltrators,” some of which have previously drawn scrutiny from the Election Commission of India (ECI).
Reactions and Backlash
The remarks triggered sharp reactions from political parties and civil society:
- RJD spokesperson Mrityunjay Tiwary criticised Singh, saying BJP leaders focus on Hindu-Muslim issues to divert attention from unemployment, inflation, and education.
- Independent MP Pappu Yadav called the statement “crossing limits” and urged Singh to understand history before making such remarks.
- Shiv Sena leader Sanjay Raut questioned whether non-supporters from other communities would also be called ‘namak haraam’.
- Congress accused the BJP of using communal rhetoric to mask governance failures.
- Social media users condemned the remarks as hate speech, with videos from the rally going viral and hashtags like #GirirajSingh trending.
The JD(U), an NDA ally, did not comment directly on Singh’s statement but defended government schemes as fair to all.
Broader Implications
Critics argue that Singh’s statement deepens communal divisions in Bihar and risks suppressing minority voter turnout. Supporters claim it is a bold stand against “vote-bank politics.” With elections approaching, observers are watching whether the ECI will take action against inflammatory speech, which could set an important precedent for curbing polarising rhetoric.
As the campaign heats up, Singh’s remarks are likely to remain a major talking point in Bihar’s political discourse, highlighting the continuing role of religion and identity in the state’s elections.
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