SY Quraishi Responds to BJP MP Nishikant Dubey’s ‘Muslim Commissioner’ Attack
Former Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) SY Quraishi has responded to BJP MP Nishikant Dubey’s derogatory remark calling him a “Muslim commissioner” instead of an election commissioner. In his statement on Monday, Quraishi emphasized that he believes in an India where individuals are judged by their contributions rather than their religious identity.
Quraishi, who served as the Chief Election Commissioner of India from 2010 to 2012, said, “I served on the constitutional post of Election Commissioner to the best of my ability and had a long and fulfilling career in the IAS. I believe in an idea of India where an individual is defined by his or her talents and contributions and not by their religious identities.”
He further added, “But I guess, for some, religious identities are a staple to forward their hateful politics. India has, is, and will always stand up and fight for its constitutional institutions and principles.”
Quraishi’s remarks came in response to Dubey’s inflammatory statement, which referred to him as a “Muslim commissioner,” alleging communal bias during his tenure. Dubey’s attack followed Quraishi’s criticism of the Waqf (Amendment) Act, which he had described as a “sinister and evil plan” to seize Muslim lands.
In a post on X on April 17, Quraishi had said, “The Waqf Act is undoubtedly a blatantly sinister evil plan of the government to grab Muslim lands. I’m sure the Supreme Court will call it out.” In response, Dubey accused Quraishi of aiding in voter registration for Bangladeshi infiltrators in Santhal Pargana, Jharkhand, during his time as Election Commissioner, a claim Quraishi denied.
The controversy surrounding the Waqf Act, along with Dubey’s accusations, has further polarized the debate over religious identity and governance in India.
Quraishi’s defense underscores his commitment to an inclusive India, where the focus is on a person’s professional capabilities and contributions rather than their religious background.
