A video showing a BJP-affiliated leader confronting airline employees at Mumbai’s Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport has triggered widespread criticism, with rights advocates and social media users accusing her of verbally harassing and religiously profiling Muslim staff members.
The video, shared on social media platform X on Monday by Nazia Elahi Khan, identified as a BJP minority leader, shows her arguing with IndiGo Airlines ground staff on the airport tarmac. Khan said she was mistreated during her travel, but critics say the footage instead depicts her berating employees who were carrying out their official duties.
In the clip, Khan is heard making a communal remark referencing Muslim names, “Poora desh pareshan ho gaya hai tum Abdul aur Abdullah se” (The whole country has become troubled because of you Abdul and Abdullah) — a statement that has drawn condemnation as demeaning and discriminatory.
The remark appears to target the religious identity of the staff rather than their conduct, according to critics.
Khan publicly named one employee, Abdullah Khan, whom she identified as a runway coach driver, along with two others, Rehan and Muinuddin. All three are Muslim. Rights groups and commentators said publicly identifying employees and linking their religion to vague claims of “national security” amounts to intimidation and harassment.
“The real problem in this country is hateful people like her, not Abdul or Abdullah,” reacted Congress leader Shama Mohammed, demanding Indigo to “immediately” place the BJP leader on the “no fly list”. She also tagged Mumbai Police, seeking an FIR against Nazia Elahi Khan.
The fact that the video was shared by Khan herself has fueled concerns that the airline staff were subjected to abuse rather than being responsible for any misconduct. Several social media users have called on authorities to ensure protection and accountability for the employees involved, stressing that airline workers are entitled to dignity and safety regardless of religion.
The incident has also prompted calls for airlines and airport authorities to take firm action against communal abuse and political pressure in the workplace, particularly in high-security and public-facing environments.
IndiGo Airlines has not issued a statement addressing the incident or clarifying whether an internal review has been initiated. Airport authorities have also not confirmed whether a formal complaint was filed by any of the employees.
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