The Congress lawmaker from UP’s Saharanpur compares Bhagat Singh’s anti-British struggle with Hamas’s fight for Palestine; Muslim leaders condemn the protests against him
SAHARANPUR – Persistent targeting of Muslims in Uttar Pradesh took a fresh turn this week when right-wing groups, led by the Hindu Raksha Dal, staged an aggressive protest against Congress MP Imran Masood, accusing him of treason for comments made during a podcast interview.
Masood, who represents Saharanpur, had drawn a historical comparison between Indian revolutionary Shaheed Bhagat Singh and the Palestinian resistance group Hamas, saying that both were fighting for their homeland’s freedom. His statement, though contextualised in terms of resistance against occupation, was seized upon by Hindu organisations who labelled it “anti-national” and “an insult to the nation.”
On Tuesday, hundreds of activists from Hindu Raksha Dal gathered outside the SSP’s office in Saharanpur, raising slogans against the Congress MP and demanding his immediate arrest.
Led by the organisation’s national president, Lalit Sharma, the protesters submitted a memorandum addressed to Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, demanding that a case of treason be registered against Masood.
Sharma told reporters, “Bhagat Singh is the pride of India. Comparing him with a terrorist organisation is an unforgivable insult. We will not tolerate this under any circumstances.”
The activists accused Masood of trying to “defend terrorism” and said such remarks “spread hatred in society”. During the protest, police forces were deployed in large numbers to prevent escalation. The situation remained tense but under control.
In a recent podcast, Imran Masood remarked, “Just as Bhagat Singh fought the British for his nation’s freedom, Hamas is fighting Israel for its territory.” The host immediately interrupted him, saying that Hamas is considered a terrorist organisation. Masood did not call Bhagat Singh a terrorist; instead, he drew a political comparison highlighting resistance against occupation.
Despite this, Hindu groups and right-wing media twisted his remarks, accusing him of “calling Bhagat Singh a terrorist” — a claim not supported by the recording.
Speaking to local reporters later, Masood clarified, “I only said that every nation has its own freedom fighters who fight against occupation. I have immense respect for Bhagat Singh, who is an icon of India’s freedom struggle.”
He added, “Unfortunately, my statement was taken out of context by those who want to create communal divisions.”
Several Muslim leaders and social activists in Uttar Pradesh condemned the protests, describing them as politically motivated. Maulana Khalid Rashid Farangi Mahali, a senior cleric and community leader, said, “The Hindu Raksha Dal is using religion to create hatred. Imran Masood did not insult Bhagat Singh; he spoke about resistance against oppression. But anything said by a Muslim leader is deliberately twisted.”
Social activist Naseem Ahmad, who witnessed the protest, said, “This is not about patriotism; it’s about silencing Muslim voices. They want to portray every Muslim politician as anti-national.”
Analysts say the controversy reflects a growing tendency to politicise national icons like Bhagat Singh. Historically, Bhagat Singh was a socialist and an atheist who opposed communal politics, but Hindu groups now attempt to claim him as part of their ideological narrative.
Political observer Ravi Mehta said, “It’s ironic. Bhagat Singh was against religious fanaticism, yet Hindu organisations are using his name to attack a Muslim MP. This is political theatre aimed at polarising society.”
The Saharanpur police confirmed that they received a memorandum from the Hindu Raksha Dal and were examining the content of Masood’s remarks. An officer, speaking on condition of anonymity, said, “We are reviewing the video clip to determine whether it violates any law.”
The protest, however, has already added to communal tension in the area. Posters and videos circulated on social media called Masood a “traitor” and “enemy of the nation.” Muslim residents in Saharanpur expressed concern that such campaigns could trigger targeted violence.
Aslam Qureshi, a resident of the Nakur area, said, “These groups have made it their mission to brand Muslims as anti-nationals. The administration should stop this politics of intimidation before it gets out of hand.”
This is not the first time a Muslim politician has faced a hate campaign for expressing views on international issues. In recent years, several Muslim leaders and journalists have been branded “anti-national” for sympathising with Palestinian civilians or criticising Israel’s military actions.
A Congress supporter, Saba Khan, said, “When Hindu leaders praise Israel or attack Muslims, no one protests. But if a Muslim politician talks about Palestine, they call it treason. This is a double standard.”
Community elders and peace activists have urged restraint, calling for calm and dialogue. Local cleric Maulana Shakir Ali said, “We must remember Bhagat Singh as a freedom fighter who fought against oppression, not as a tool to divide Indians along religious lines.”
Meanwhile, rights groups have called on the government to prevent misuse of sedition and hate speech laws to stifle dissent. Advocate Irfan Habib, a human rights lawyer, said, “Comparisons made in political discussion cannot be equated with treason. Free speech is protected under the Constitution.”
