'Muslim Population Has Increased, Now BJP's Rule Will End In UP': Samajwadi Party MLA Stirs Row, Case Filed

A First Information Report (FIR) was registered against Samajwadi Party MLA Mehboob after he sparked a controversy on Monday by saying that the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)’s rule in Uttar Pradesh will end as the Muslim population in the country is increasing. Addressing a public gathering in Bijnor, Mehboob Ali, referring to the party, said, “Your rule will come to an end. The population of Muslims is increasing. We will come to power.”

“The Mughals ruled for 850 years, and those who are burning the country must note that the people have woken up. They gave a reply in Parliament (polls), and in the coming days, in 2027, you will surely go and we will come,” Ali, an MLA from Amroha said.

The FIR in connection with the case was also filed against the party’s Bijnor chief, Shaikh Zakir. The FIR stated that the MLA made a statement “promoting enmity and hatred between Hindus and Muslims on the basis of religion.”

The video of Ali’s remarks was widely shared on social media, thus drawing a sharp response from the BJP.

In an X post, party spokesperson Shehzad Poonawalla wrote, “SP MLA from Amroha Mehboob Ali has in the “Samvidhan Samman” meeting says “Yogi rule will end because the Muslim population is increasing now” (sic).

“They often complained about 80:20 statement – who does 80 vs 20 is before you. Is this Muhabbat ki Dukaan ? Is it pro constitution or secular ? plan is clear Divide Hindus & Unite Muslim votebank?” (sic), he added.

Referring to Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav, Poonawalla wrote, “Akhilesh says Mathadish are like mafia , Rahul says Ram Mandir praan Pratishta was like dance event and Mehboob Ali incites for demographic change !! Agenda is clear isn’t it?”

Ali’s remarks were also slammed by BJP’s Andhra Pradesh vice-president, who, in an X post, wrote, “Samajwadi Party MLA Mehboob Ali’s statement, ”The Muslim population has increased, now your rule will end,” reflects the anti-Hindu stance within the party. Despite India being 80% Hindu, SP leaders allow such divisive remarks, showing their true intentions.” (sic).

The Assembly polls in Uttar Pradesh are due in 2027.