Iqra Hasan Calls for Peace After Temple Vandalism, Rejects Religious Intolerance
Samajwadi Party MP Iqra Hasan condemns the vandalism of a Shiva temple in Saharanpur’s Chapaur village and responds strongly after being called a “mulli” during community tensions.
In a deeply charged address at a village panchayat in Chapaur, Saharanpur, Samajwadi Party MP Iqra Hasan condemned the recent vandalism of a Shiva temple and the religious tensions that followed. Speaking to a gathering of men on October 12, Hasan revealed that she had been mocked with the term “mulli”, a slur targeting her Muslim identity.
Despite being advised by officials to stay away due to rising tempers, the Kairana MP chose to visit the site of unrest, saying it was her duty to stand with her constituents. “This is my area — why shouldn’t I come? I am not here for politics but to speak for my people,” she said, visibly emotional as she addressed the crowd.
Hasan firmly denounced the vandalism, calling the destruction of any place of worship “unacceptable.” She urged authorities to ensure accountability, adding, “If anyone from my community is guilty, they must face strict punishment.” The vandalism, which took place on October 1 at the Shiva Lakshmi Junior High School, left temple idols damaged, and two Muslim teenagers were later arrested in connection with the case.
In her appeal for calm, Hasan reminded villagers of shared humanity over divisions: “I have never done politics based on religion or caste. If you disagree with me, you can vote me out — but am I not your daughter?”
Analysis: Iqra Hasan’s defiant speech underscores the challenges faced by young leaders navigating communal sensitivity and gender bias in rural politics. Her insistence on accountability, regardless of religion, offers a much-needed message of civic responsibility at a time when identity politics often overshadows empathy. For local communities, her words serve as a call to reject polarization and preserve harmony through dialogue rather than division.