Buzzflix Controversy Ignites Over “Muslim Commissioner” Remark
The Indian political landscape was rocked by controversy after BJP MP Nishikant Dubey launched a scathing and communal attack on former Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) S.Y. Quraishi, referring to him not as a neutral constitutional officer, but as a “Muslim Commissioner.”
The remark came in the aftermath of Quraishi’s sharp critique of the Waqf (Amendment) Act, which he described as a “sinister and evil plan to grab Muslim lands.” In retaliation, Dubey accused Quraishi of turning a blind eye to voter fraud involving Bangladeshi infiltrators in Jharkhand’s Santhal Pargana region during his tenure.
“You were not an election commissioner; you were a Muslim commissioner,” Dubey said in a statement that has now drawn fire from across the political spectrum.
Quraishi’s Powerful Rebuttal: “Talent, Not Religion, Defines a Person”
Refusing to stoop to the same level, S.Y. Quraishi responded with dignity and composure:
“I served on the constitutional post of Election Commissioner to the best of my ability and had a fulfilling career in the IAS. I believe in an India where people are defined by their talents and contributions, not their religious identities.”
He also posted a sharp quote on X (formerly Twitter), quoting George Bernard Shaw:
“I learned long ago never to wrestle with a pig. You get dirty, and besides, the pig likes it.”
The subtle jab spoke volumes without naming names.
Political Leaders Rally Behind Quraishi
The remark by Dubey has not only stirred political waters but also reignited debates around religious identity, meritocracy, and the dignity of constitutional posts.
Support Pours In:
- Shashi Tharoor compared Quraishi’s stand to that of Martin Luther King Jr., saying, “It’s time to stand up for human worth over community labels.”
- Akhilesh Yadav: “Those discredited within their own party should stay silent rather than attack respected constitutional officers.”
- D. Raja (CPI): “Calling a former CEC a ‘Muslim Commissioner’ is not just condemnable—it’s dangerous. What will PM Modi and BJP chief J.P. Nadda say now?”
- Sanjay Raut (Shiv Sena UBT): “Quraishi is among the finest election commissioners this country has seen after T.N. Seshan.”
- Rajeev Ranjan Prasad (JD-U): “Such communal statements do not represent the party line and must be condemned outright.”
Context Matters: The Role of Quraishi & Dubey’s Larger Pattern
Quraishi served as Chief Election Commissioner from July 2010 to June 2012 and is regarded as one of the most neutral and reform-oriented administrators India has had.
Meanwhile, Nishikant Dubey, a four-time MP from Godda, Jharkhand, has made headlines recently for controversial statements—including his attack on the Supreme Court and Chief Justice Sanjiv Khanna, accusing the judiciary of “causing civil war.”
Also Read: Dubey’s attack on CJI causes stir across political lines
The Larger Debate: Identity Politics vs Democratic Values
This incident has brought India’s simmering tension around identity politics back into focus. At a time when the country is preparing for general elections, such divisive remarks not only polarize voters but also risk degrading the sanctity of institutions like the Election Commission of India (ECI).
Quraishi’s composed yet firm stance reminds the nation of the importance of defending constitutional values, regardless of religious or political affiliations.
Supreme Court’s Electoral Bonds Verdict: A Win for Transparency
Akhilesh vs. BJP: War of Words Intensifies
Who Is S.Y. Quraishi? A Look At His Contributions
BuzzFlix Asks:
Should religious identity ever override one’s professional merit?
Vote now and tell us in the comments below.
Follow us on Instagram & YouTube @buzzflixIndia for daily updates, breakdowns, and more.
Subscribe to our newsletter and never miss a Buzz again!
Share this story with friends who believe in merit over identity.
👉 Stay informed. Stay united. Stay Buzzed.
Join the BuzzFlix movement to amplify voices that speak for justice, democracy, and equality.
