Mehbooba Mufti condemns vandalism of Baba Bulleh Shah shrine in Uttarakhand

Srinagar, Jan 27: Former Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister and Peoples Democratic Party president Mehbooba Mufti on Tuesday strongly condemned the vandalism of the shrine of renowned Sufi poet Baba Bulleh Shah in Uttarakhand, alleging deliberate hypocrisy on the part of the Bharatiya Janata Party.

In a post on social media, Mufti said BJP leaders project an image of cultural outreach abroad while, at home, remaining silent or complicit when symbols of spiritual harmony are targeted. She accused the party of selectively embracing religious imagery overseas while allowing attacks on pluralistic traditions within the country.

“BJP leaders pose in mosques abroad and roll out red carpets for Middle Eastern sheikhs. But back home they watch with glee the shrine of Sufi poet Baba Bulleh Shah being vandalised,” Mufti said, adding that such actions reflect a calculated political approach rather than isolated incidents.

She alleged that the targeting of Sufi shrines and symbols of coexistence is aimed at diverting public attention from pressing socio-economic issues, including rising poverty, widespread unemployment and uncertainty faced by the younger generation.

Mufti said destroying symbols of harmony is easier than addressing the concerns of citizens struggling with economic hardship and lack of opportunities. She described the vandalism as part of a broader pattern intended to deepen divisions and erode India’s pluralistic ethos.

The shrine of Baba Bulleh Shah, a revered Sufi poet known for his message of love, tolerance and humanism, was recently vandalised in Uttarakhand, triggering criticism from various quarters. [KNT]