Congress and Samajwadi Party Condemn Arrest of Ashoka University Professor
Opposition leaders are intensifying criticism of the ruling BJP after the arrest of Ali Khan Mahmudabad, a political science professor at Ashoka University, for a social media post related to Operation Sindoor. While he faces serious charges including endangering India’s sovereignty and promoting enmity, no arrest has been made in a separate hate speech case involving BJP minister Vijay Shah.
In a strongly worded post on X, Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav wrote: “Hukmarano ki badzubani par bhi azadi, aur kisi ke sach kehne par bhi giraftari,” which translates to “Those in power are free even after speaking ill of others, and those who spoke the truth are arrested.”
What Triggered the Arrest?
Professor Mahmudabad had posted a critique of right-wing praise for Colonel Sofiya Qureshi and Wing Commander Vyomina Singh, who led the Operation Sindoor briefing. He wrote that optics were important, but the same people should also speak up for victims of mob lynchings and bulldozing campaigns. His post led to two FIRs, including one from Renu Bhatia, Chairperson of the Haryana State Commission for Women.
The charges include promoting enmity between groups, making statements prejudicial to national integrity, and insulting the modesty of women. Mahmudabad has since clarified that his words were misinterpreted, saying, “The Women’s Commission has inverted the meaning of my post.”
Meanwhile, No FIR Against BJP Minister Vijay Shah
By contrast, Madhya Pradesh minister Vijay Shah has faced no arrest despite his incendiary remarks at a public rally. Referring to the Pahalgam terror attack, Shah said, “You widowed our sisters, so a sister of your community will strip you naked.”
The Madhya Pradesh High Court ordered police to register an FIR, stating his comment could incite communal disharmony. Yet, according to an IANS report, the police have yet to record his statement or interview witnesses, despite the Supreme Court also taking cognizance of the matter.
Congress: “This Is New India Under Modi”
Congress leader Pawan Khera condemned the arrest of Mahmudabad, calling it a reflection of India’s eroding democracy. “A historian is jailed not for inciting violence, but for advocating against it. His only mistake is his name,” said Khera. “This is the double standard of Modi’s governance — ministers are free to spread hate, while critics are silenced.”
Khera added, “When writers, professors and critics are branded enemies, the real enemy is democracy itself.”
Free Speech or Targeted Action?
The controversy raises crucial questions about freedom of speech and the politicization of law enforcement. Many academics and human rights groups have already begun voicing concern over selective enforcement of the law and shrinking space for dissent in India.
The contrast between swift action against a professor and the delay in addressing communal remarks by a sitting minister has added fuel to an already polarizing political climate. With the matter now in the Supreme Court, the coming days could set a critical precedent for democratic accountability.
For more on this topic, explore: youtuber-jyoti-malhotra-espionage
