BJP minister’s "Namak Haram" remark targeting Muslim beneficiaries sparks backlash ahead of Bihar polls.

Union Minister Giriraj Singh sparked controversy ahead of Bihar’s November 6 and 11 assembly elections by stating the BJP does not seek votes from “Namak Harams,” a term widely interpreted as targeting Muslims who receive government benefits but do not support the party. Speaking in Arwal, he cited a Muslim cleric who accepted Ayushman Bharat benefits but refused to swear allegiance to BJP leadership. The remarks drew sharp criticism from opposition leaders, including Shiv Sena’s Sanjay Raut and Independent MP Pappu Yadav, who called the comment divisive and inaccurate, noting Muslims supported Modi in 2014 and warning against communal polarization. Raut challenged the logic, asking if non-supporting Hindus should also be labeled “Namak Haram,” and demanded Singh’s removal. Singh defended the NDA’s record, citing infrastructure and women’s safety improvements, and dismissed the opposition as fractured. Results are set for November 14.