Muslim woman lawmaker in India branded ‘terrorist’

NEW DELHI, India (MNTV) — A Muslim member of India’s parliament, Iqra Hasan, has faced a barrage of Islamophobic abuse after being called a “terrorist” and “mulli” — a slur for Muslim women — by members of a Hindu nationalist group during a visit to northern India.

Hasan, a lawmaker from the opposition Samajwadi Party representing Kairana constituency, was visiting Chapaur village in Saharanpur district, where tensions had flared following vandalism at a Hindu temple. 

Instead of being met by residents seeking dialogue, she was confronted by members of the Hindu Suraksha Seva Sangh, a right-wing outfit that shouted derogatory slogans questioning her patriotism and faith.

The incident reflects the growing climate of hostility Muslim women face in Indian public life. Rights advocates say such verbal attacks have become increasingly common as Hindu nationalist rhetoric intensifies under the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).

Speaking to reporters, Hasan described the remarks as “an insult not just to me but to every woman who believes in equality and democracy.” She said she would not be intimidated by hate campaigns and vowed to continue representing her constituents. “Those who try to divide society will not succeed. My politics is about unity, not religion,” she said.

Hasan added that local officials had advised her not to visit the village for security reasons, but she insisted on going, calling it her duty to listen to residents regardless of their faith. “When I was elected, people of every religion voted for me. The abuse directed at me today is an insult to every woman in this region,” she said.

Police in Saharanpur have since contacted Hasan to take her statement, though no arrests have been made so far. Civil society groups have condemned the verbal assault, saying it underscores how gendered Islamophobia is used to discredit Muslim women in leadership positions.

Analysts note that Muslim women politicians in India increasingly face dual discrimination — targeted both for their faith and for occupying public office in a political space shaped by Hindu majoritarianism.

For Hasan, the episode is emblematic of a broader struggle over who belongs in India’s democracy. “My religion teaches me to take everyone along,” she said. “That’s what I will keep doing — no matter how loud the hate becomes.”