On December 13th, Khabar India, a YouTube-based news channel, released a video amidst the political buzz surrounding the upcoming Delhi Assembly elections, scheduled for early 2025. The video features a reporter engaging in conversations with Muslim migrant workers from West Bengal who have been residing and working in Delhi for years. The interviews unearthed strong political preferences and shocking statements. Among the workers, one individual issued a chilling and direct threat against Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, sparking widespread concern and outrage.

The migrant workers revealed their political inclinations, openly stating their preference for the Congress party over the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and Aam Aadmi Party (AAP). According to them, “Rahul Gandhi is a good leader.” They further expressed hope for a political shift in the upcoming years, wishing to see West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee as India’s Prime Minister in 2029, replacing the current PM Narendra Modi.

Open threat to UP CM Yogi Adityanath

The interview took a disturbing turn when one of the migrant workers launched a verbal attack against UP CM Yogi Adityanath. The worker specifically voiced anger over the Chief Minister’s role in the construction of the Bhavya Ram Mandir in Ayodhya, the demolition of illegal mosques and mazars, and his strict measures against loudspeakers and illegal slaughterhouses.

While airing his grievances, the worker delivered a direct and ominous threat, saying, “Bismillah bolunga aur qurbani de dunga Yogi ki,” which translates to, “I will invoke Bismillah and sacrifice Yogi.” The statement was accompanied by a chilling gesture, symbolizing a “qurbani” or sacrifice, with his hands mimicking the motion of a slaughter.

This open threat, captured on video, has stirred concern, not just for its brazen nature but also for the deeper implications it holds in a politically sensitive atmosphere.

The video’s release has already begun to garner attention across social media and political circles, raising questions about the safety of public figures and the potential for inflammatory rhetoric to incite violence. The full context of the interview and the motivations behind such statements remain a subject of scrutiny. Meanwhile, authorities and political analysts are examining the implications of such open threats on the upcoming elections and the broader political landscape.

Preference for Congress over Kejriwal

In a display of questionable political wisdom, several Muslim migrant workers from West Bengal voiced their preference for the Congress party over the Arvind Kejriwal-led Aam Aadmi Party (AAP). They were quick to dismiss Kejriwal’s governance, with one of them stating, “He is nothing compared to Rahul Gandhi.” This bold declaration was accompanied by the worker’s belief that “Congress is the only national party that can ensure peace and unity among all communities.”

Ironically, while acknowledging AAP’s initiatives such as free electricity and water, they seemed to overlook the fact that freebies do not equate to leadership skills. Their claim that Rahul Gandhi is better equipped to challenge the BJP raises eyebrows, especially considering his track record in recent elections. The statement underscores a disconnect between perceived leadership and actual political performance. Perhaps these workers have been swayed more by nostalgia than reality when it comes to Congress’s ability to govern effectively.

Praise for Mamata Banerjee

The workers also heaped exaggerated praise on West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee, with one declaring, “Our Didi is doing great in Bengal, and we hope she becomes the Prime Minister in 2029.” Such remarks, however, seemed more rooted in blind allegiance than a fair assessment of her leadership. Not everyone shared this sentiment. Another worker, more grounded in reality, criticized Mamata for failing to generate employment in the state, saying, “If Bengal had jobs, why would we come to Delhi? There’s nothing in Bengal.”

This worker didn’t stop there, highlighting the glaring economic vacuum in Bengal by adding, “Bengal has 28 districts, but there are no big companies providing jobs. If there were jobs, we wouldn’t need to walk 1,400 kilometres to Delhi.” His words paint a grim picture of the state’s inability to provide basic livelihoods, even as Mamata Banerjee’s supporters continue to trumpet her supposed achievements.

What’s even more baffling is that the same individual who criticized Mamata’s failure to create jobs also came to her defense, claiming, “The government can’t do everything. It’s up to individuals to work hard and survive.” This contradictory logic is a classic case of deflecting blame while still clinging to misplaced loyalty. His additional remark, “India is a free country. People can go anywhere for work. The government provides basic facilities; the rest is up to us,” further highlights the irony. If Mamata’s governance is as stellar as he claims, why does he have to trek thousands of kilometers in search of better opportunities?

These statements reflect a deeper irony: a misplaced faith in leaders who fail to deliver tangible results, while criticizing those like Yogi Adityanath who have brought about visible change in their states. Uttar Pradesh, under Yogi’s leadership, has witnessed significant strides in infrastructure, law enforcement, and religious tourism, including the iconic Bhavya Ram Mandir in Ayodhya. Yet, these achievements seem lost on those whose loyalty lies with leaders offering rhetoric over results.

Political Hypocrisy and Misplaced Priorities

The interviews conducted with Muslim migrant workers in Delhi reveal a troubling blend of political hypocrisy and misplaced priorities. With the Delhi Assembly elections fast approaching, such sentiments carry significant weight. The workers' statements, especially the open and brazen threat against Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, serve as a stark reminder of the dangerous path communal polarisation can carve in shaping political discourse.

Their anger over the construction of the Ram Mandir in Ayodhya and actions against illegal religious structures highlights a deep-seated frustration aimed at policies that uphold the rule of law. CM Yogi’s firm stance against illegal slaughterhouses, loudspeakers in religious places, and unlawful encroachments has been a hallmark of his governance, earning him both admirers and detractors. However, these workers’ grievances seem less about actual governance failures and more about an unwillingness to accept reforms that align with national interests.

Even more concerning is the attempt to justify Mamata Banerjee’s clear governance failures in West Bengal. The very workers who criticize the lack of jobs in Bengal and are forced to migrate 1,400 kilometers for survival conveniently sidestep accountability when it comes to Mamata’s leadership. Their unwavering support for a leader who has failed to address the state’s economic stagnation and inability to attract corporate investments is a glaring example of political allegiance overshadowing ground realities.

This pattern of thought underscores a larger issue—a selective outrage that fuels communal narratives rather than fostering solutions. The willingness to threaten a sitting CM for policies promoting development, while simultaneously absolving another leader of her governance shortcomings, is not just hypocritical but also indicative of deeply ingrained biases. Such rhetoric, if left unchecked, could lead to further polarisation, impacting not just the Delhi Assembly elections but the broader political landscape as well.

In a democracy, diverse opinions and criticisms are natural, even healthy. But when political inclinations are rooted in communal anger and selective accountability, it raises serious concerns about the trajectory of public discourse. As the elections draw near, it is critical to focus on tangible results and governance rather than being swayed by rhetoric and threats driven by misplaced priorities.