NEW DELHI — Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s recent comments referring to Muslim youth “repairing punctures” have drawn sharp criticism from Opposition leaders across the political spectrum. While speaking at the inauguration of an airport in Hisar, Haryana, the Prime Minister alleged that Waqf properties were being misused, suggesting that proper and transparent use of these assets could have significantly improved the livelihoods of Muslim youth.
“If Waqf properties had been used honestly, Muslim youths wouldn’t have to earn a living by repairing bicycle punctures,” the Prime Minister stated. He also alleged that land mafias benefited from these properties instead of the intended beneficiaries, including Dalits, backward communities, and widows. He said the recently amended Waqf law would curb such misuse.
Reacting sharply, AIMIM chief Asaduddin Owaisi hit back, questioning what the government had done for the poor—Hindus or Muslims—in its 11 years in power. He also accused the Centre of further weakening already fragile Waqf laws, Vartha Bharati reported.
Congress MP Imran Pratapgarhi condemned the Prime Minister’s choice of words, calling it language typical of online trolls. “Muslims don’t just fix punctures. There are no jobs, and the youth are left with no other options. This doesn’t suit the stature of a Prime Minister,” he said.
Samajwadi Party leader Abu Azmi raised questions about BJP’s commitment to inclusivity, asking why the party does not give election tickets to Muslims.
Congress spokesperson Supriya Shrinate further questioned why PM Modi did not pay homage to Dr. B.R. Ambedkar on his birth anniversary and asked why BJP has not appointed a Dalit Chief Minister.
The Waqf Amendment Bill, now passed into law, was opposed by the Congress and other Opposition parties, who allege that the legislation targets the minority community and aims to seize control of Waqf properties. The BJP, however, maintains that the amendments are necessary for efficient management of these assets.
मोदी ने कहा कि अगर वक़्फ़ की संपत्तियों का ठीक से इस्तेमाल होता तो मुसलमान नौजवानों को पंक्चर नहीं बनाना पड़ता। अगर संघ परिवार की सोच और संपत्ति देशहित में इस्तेमाल होती, तो मोदी को चाय नहीं बेचनी पड़ती। पिछले 11 साल में मोदी ने ग़रीब भारतीयों — हिंदू या मुसलमान — के लिए क्या…
— Asaduddin Owaisi (@asadowaisi) April 14, 2025
