‘Indian Muslims not equal’: ABP show allows hate speech, slurs as Ragi vs Pathan

On her primetime show Mahadangal, ABP News anchor Chitra Tripathi sat by as her guest, Delhi University professor Sangit Ragi, launched into a communal diatribe – calling Muslims “betrayers,” calling for a denial of equal rights, and hurling slurs – without so much as a decisive rebuke.

Instead of reining in Ragi or correcting him as he twisted historical facts, the show even pitted the professor against AIMIM spokesperson Waris Pathan on a split screen, letting Islamophobia masquerade as debate.

The show was discussing meat bans in several parts of India amid the ongoing Navratri festivities. 

“I personally think Muslims should not even be given an equal status in India,” Ragi said. “This is a country of Hindus where Muslims live. Absolutely, give them [Muslims] the right to citizenship. But in the cultural space of the country, they shouldn’t be given equal rights. Muslims got another country.”

While Ragi continued speaking, AIMIM spokesperson Waris Pathan attempted to argue with him. But Ragi went on to say, “Muslims betrayed the nation. They shouldn’t be given equal rights.”

Pathan then questioned Tripathi, “How could you not say something to him [Ragi]? Stop him.”

Tripathi said, “You [Pathan] are saying, right? Also, Sangit Ragi, the country will run according to the Constitution.” But her voice was at a lower volume than Pathan and Ragi.

Pathan repeatedly insisted that Ragi apologise for calling Muslims betrayers, and again questioned Tripathi. It was then that she replied, “How can you paint all Muslims in one colour?”

But Ragi continued. He claimed the party Pathan represents was a betrayer, and “(Asaduddin) Owaisi’s father and grandfather were also betrayers”. “It’s unfortunate that despite getting their country in 1947, these mulle and kathmulle are legally staying in this country.”

Tripathi objected. “This is very wrong, Sangit Ragi.” But Ragi went on. “I will use these words for Waris Pathan.”

As Pathan repeatedly asked Ragi to apologise to Indian Muslims for calling them betrayers, Tripathi asked the professor if he wanted to apologise. But Ragi resumed his diatribe.

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