Saharanpur MP Imran Masood has sparked controversy after drawing parallels between freedom fighter Bhagat Singh and the Hamas group, stating that both were fighting for their land. This comparison has elicited strong reactions from various political factions and the public, stirring debate about the appropriateness of equating a national hero with an organization designated as a terrorist group by several countries.
Masood made the remarks during a recent podcast interview, where he was questioned about various political issues. When asked about past Congress-led government's actions, Masood drew the comparison while discussing resistance movements and struggles for self-determination. He argued that, like Bhagat Singh, Hamas is also fighting for their land.
Bhagat Singh, a prominent figure in the Indian independence movement, was executed by the British colonial government in 1931 for his involvement in revolutionary activities. He is widely revered in India as a symbol of courage and sacrifice for the nation's freedom. Hamas, on the other hand, is a Palestinian Sunni-Islamist fundamentalist organization responsible for numerous acts of violence.
Masood's statement has been met with condemnation from the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and other right-wing organizations. They have accused him of disrespecting a national icon and attempting to legitimize terrorism. Critics argue that equating Bhagat Singh with Hamas is an insult to his legacy and undermines the values he stood for. Some have called for Masood to apologize for his remarks.
The Congress party has distanced itself from Masood's comments, with party leaders stating that his views do not reflect the official position of the party. They reiterated the party's condemnation of terrorism in all its forms and emphasized Bhagat Singh's contribution to India's freedom struggle.
This is not the first time Masood has been embroiled in controversy. In 2014, he was arrested for hate speech against Narendra Modi, who was then the BJP's Prime Ministerial candidate. Despite past controversies, Masood remains a popular leader in Saharanpur, having won the 2024 Lok Sabha election. He has previously served as a Member of the Legislative Assembly and held various positions within the Congress party.
