BJP J&K to File Complaint Against Nazia Elahi Khan Over Prophet Remarks

The controversy erupted after a video clip from an Instagram podcast, in which Khan was in conversation with a host identified as Divya Singh, went viral on social media. Several Muslim organisations alleged that her remarks hurt the religious sentiments of the community and could disturb communal harmony.

Khan is already facing police action in Maharashtra. An FIR has been registered against her at Shanti Nagar Police Station in Bhiwandi, while the Raza Academy has also lodged a complaint at Mumbai's Pydhonie Police Station seeking legal action. Police officials said a Zero FIR process has been initiated and the case is likely to be transferred to West Bengal, where the alleged offence falls under jurisdiction.

Khan, who describes herself as a BJP member on social media, has denied any wrongdoing, claiming that the videos being circulated are fabricated or AI-generated. She has also alleged that she has received threats following the controversy.

This is not the first time Khan has been at the centre of a controversy. In 2021, Kolkata Police arrested her in connection with an alleged Rs 6 lakh cheating case involving a matrimonial dispute. She denied the allegations, claiming she had been falsely implicated. She was also previously associated with the legal battle against instant triple talaq, having represented petitioner Ishrat Jahan before the Supreme Court.

Earlier this year, Khan was involved in a public dispute with eyewear retailer Lenskart after alleging that employees at one of its Mumbai outlets were barred from wearing Hindu religious symbols such as bindis and tilaks. The company later clarified that the document cited in the controversy was outdated and did not reflect its current policy.

Reacting to the latest controversy, BJP J&K co-media in-charge Sajid Yousuf Shah strongly condemned the alleged remarks and said such statements had no place in society.

"We strongly and unequivocally condemn the highly objectionable and irresponsible remarks allegedly made by Nazia Elahi Khan against Prophet Muhammad (SAW). Such statements are unacceptable," Shah said in a signed statement.

He said the BJP remains committed to its principle of "Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas, Sabka Vishwas, Sabka Prayas" and that freedom of expression cannot be used to insult religious beliefs or hurt the sentiments of millions.

Shah also categorically distanced the party from Khan, stating that she has "no association whatsoever" with the BJP or the BJP Minority Morcha. He said this had already been clarified by BJP National Minority Morcha president Jamal Siddiqui in a separate statement.

"We will register a formal complaint with the competent authorities in Srinagar and pursue strict legal action against her. We urge the authorities to take immediate action in accordance with the law so that such irresponsible and divisive conduct is not repeated," Shah said.

The controversy has sparked widespread debate on social media, with demands from various quarters for legal action, while the investigations initiated in Maharashtra are continuing.