BJP MP Nishikant Dubey has found himself embroiled in controversy by referring to former election commissioner S.Y Quraishi as a Muslim commissioner during a debate on the work of amendment. Remarks so controversial that you do communal criticism for its perceived attempt to undermine the neutrality of constitutional bodies. This is however not Dubey’s most controversial comment. He has gone on record at the Lok Sabha to make accusations against Chief Justice of India Sanjiv Khanna of encouraging communal discord amid hearings on the Waqf Act. AIMIM chief Asaduddin Owaisi slammed Dubey’s comments, stating they reflect a dangerous tendency to target officials from minority communities in an attempt to polarize voters.
S.Y. Quraishi, who served as CEC from 2010 to 2012, has consistently countered narratives around Muslim appeasement and demographic anxiety. In an interview with The Wire, he called the concept of Muslim appeasement a “manufactured narrative,” arguing that Muslims remain underrepresented in civil services and public life, with just 2-3% representation despite forming over 14% of the population.
Quraishi has also refuted claims about Muslims outnumbering Hindus in the future. In an interview with The Quint, he cited data from government surveys showing a sharp decline in the fertility rate among Muslims, nearly closing the gap with Hindus. He emphasized that such demographic scare tactics are based on misinformation and serve communal agendas.
In a reply to these comments, counsel Anas Tanveer sought permission to file a contempt petition against Dubey at the Supreme Court Of India. Upon the Attorney General’s approval, the SC has agreed to hear the plea on Nishikant’s case next week.
