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Rights advocates seek BJP response on alleged economic boycott call

By A Representative 
Citizens for Fraternity–Bharat (CFF-Bharat), a civil society platform comprising former public officials, business leaders, journalists and policy professionals, has written to the president of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) seeking clarification regarding the status of Ms. Nazia Elahi Khan within the party and demanding disciplinary action over remarks attributed to her. 
In a letter dated June 10, CFF-Bharat expressed what it described as "grave concern" over statements allegedly made by Khan during a recent press conference. According to the organisation, Khan reportedly called for an economic boycott of Muslims and urged their exclusion from government and private-sector employment as well as commercial engagements. 
The group stated that such remarks were divisive, promoted communal discord, and undermined the constitutional principles of equality, fraternity and social harmony. 
In its communication to the BJP president, CFF-Bharat requested the party to clarify whether Khan currently holds any position in the BJP or its Minority, Mahila or Alpsankhyak Morcha. The organisation also called for strong disciplinary action against her, including expulsion if deemed necessary. Additionally, it urged the initiation of action through competent authorities under relevant legal provisions relating to hate speech and the promotion of communal disharmony. 
"Public figures associated with national parties must strengthen national unity, not fracture it," the letter stated while expressing confidence that the party leadership would act decisively on the matter. 
The letter was signed by several members of CFF-Bharat, including former Delhi Lieutenant Governor Najeeb Jung, former diplomat Ashok Sharma, industrialist Saeed Mustafa Shervani, business leader Navaid Khan, senior journalist and political analyst Javed M. Ansari, former civil servant Ashish Joshi and environmental researcher and public policy professional Amogh Dev Rai.
Copies of the letter were also sent to the Union Minister for Minority Affairs, the National Commission for Minorities and the National Human Rights Commission. 

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