Modi faces flak after using ‘Muslims fix puncture’ slur during his speech

Prime Minister Narendra Modi faced backlash after claiming that Muslim men are forced into menial jobs, such as repairing punctured tyres, due to the alleged exploitation of Waqf properties.

While addressing an event in Haryana's Hisar, Modi said on Tuesday that the Waqf law benefits land mafias rather than the underprivileged Muslim population.

"Across the country, there are lakhs of hectares of land in the name of Waqf. This land should have been used for the welfare of the poor, helpless women, and children. If Waqf land had been used properly, young Muslim boys would not have to rely on fixing cycle punctures to earn their livelihood," Modi said.

His comments drew sharp criticism from opposition leaders, particularly AIMIM chief and MP Asaduddin Owaisi, who has consistently opposed the recent amendments to the Waqf Act.

Responding to Modi’s remarks, Owaisi said, "PM Modi claimed that if Waqf properties had been properly utilised, young Muslims wouldn't be repairing tyres. If the ideology and wealth of the Sangh Parivar had been used for national welfare, perhaps Modi wouldn’t have had to sell tea."

Read: Indian Muslims outraged as Modi govt seeks to seize their endowments through Waqf Bill

Owaisi also contended that the government has consistently curtailed the powers of Waqf boards, and the latest amendments would only further erode their autonomy.

He went on to challenge the government’s record on tackling poverty , stating, "33% percent of Indians are without jobs or education."

Congress MP Imran Pratapgarhi also condemned Modi’s statement, saying it echoed the tone of social media trolls.

"Such language is unbecoming of a Prime Minister," he said.

"You claim to uplift Muslims through the Waqf Bill, yet you don’t have a single Muslim MP to present it in the Lok Sabha. You speak of empowering Muslim women, but there is not one Muslim woman representing your party in the Lok Sabha, Rajya Sabha, or any state assembly."

India’s Parliament passed the controversial Waqf Amendment Bill on April 4. The new law gives the government more control over waqf properties, Muslim religious endowments, estimated to be worth over $14 billion.

However, the opposition parties and Muslims opposed the bill, describing it as an attempt to weaken the constitutional rights of India’s largest minority.