Shazia Ilmi, the national spokesperson of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), tackled the prevalent misinformation surrounding Indian history, government policies, and the development of the Muslim community…reports Asian Lite News
The Carlton Club in London witnessed a power-packed seminar titled “On Rewriting of History of India, Propaganda, and Reality,” featuring Shazia Ilmi, the national spokesperson of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). In a hard-hitting address, Ilmi tackled the prevalent misinformation surrounding Indian history, government policies, and the development of the Muslim community.
Ilmi, known for her candid approach, expressed grave concerns about the intentional spread of misinformation by certain historians and journalists, aimed at targeting Indian civilization and democracy. She called for a more balanced and nuanced dialogue to counter the disingenuous campaign against India’s elected government.
Taking on esteemed publications like The Guardian, The Economist, The Independent, Telegraph, The New York Times, and The Washington Post, the ex-journalist accused them of compromising factual accuracy by publishing articles without proper fact-checks. Ilmi specifically cited a report by Lord Anish Kapoor in The Guardian, claiming India’s new parliament sought to “de-Islamify” the nation. Ilmi vehemently refuted this claim, asserting that the old Parliament had no Islamic origin and was built during British India’s time.
One of the critical highlights of Ilmi’s address was the debunking of misconceptions about the Indian government’s policies towards the Muslim community. She presented compelling data that showcased the substantial benefits extended to minority students since Prime Minister Narendra Modi took office in 2014. Over 500 million scholarships have been granted, with Muslims being the largest beneficiaries among minorities. This data served as tangible evidence of the government’s commitment to providing equal educational opportunities for all citizens, irrespective of their religious background.
With passion, Ilmi emphasized the commendable efforts of the government in addressing the dropout rate of Muslim school-going girls. According to the BJP spokesperson, before 2014, this rate stood at a staggering 70%, but it has significantly reduced to 30% in recent years. This significant progress indicates the government’s dedication to fostering inclusive development and empowering marginalized communities.
Backing her assertions, Ilmi presented findings from a working paper by the Economic Advisory Council to the Prime Minister. The study analysed data from over 1.2 million households between 2015 and 2021, revealing no evidence of discrimination in providing basic amenities across religions and regions. This data unequivocally challenges claims of religious bias in government schemes, reaffirming the government’s commitment to providing equal opportunities to all citizens.
While acknowledging condemnable incidents of lynchings in India, Ilmi highlighted that they are exceptions rather than the norm. She urged attendees to hold respective state governments accountable for maintaining law and order, as law enforcement falls under their jurisdiction.
The seminar concluded on a resolute note, calling for truth-seeking and informed discussions free from misinformation and propaganda. Shazia Ilmi’s impassioned speech shed light on the government’s dedication to the holistic development of the Muslim community and reaffirmed India’s commitment to an inclusive and progressive society.
The seminar was organized by Raj Bhatt of Elara Capital PLC along with Sanjay January and presented by Manish Tiwari, founder, and chairperson of Here and Now 365. Esteemed personalities, including Lord Remi Ranger, graced the event, amplifying the success of the discussion. As the discourse on Indian history and government policies continues, the call for responsible journalism and fact-based reporting becomes increasingly crucial in fostering a more informed and enlightened society.
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