I Represent Inclusive India': TMC's Nusrat Jahan to 'Hardliners' Slamming Her for Wearing Sindoor

New Delhi: Newly-elected Trinamool Congress MP Nusrat Jahan on Saturday said she would not pay heed to “comments made by hardliners of any religion" after an Uttar Pradesh-based cleric criticised her for marrying a Jain and wearing sindoor, calling the practices “un-Islamic".

Jahan was seen sporting 'sindoor' traditionally worn by Hindu and Jain women and a pink-and-white saree at her oath-taking ceremony in the Parliament on June 25. She is married to businessman Nikhil Jain.

“I represent an inclusive India, which is beyond the barriers of caste, creed and religion," she said in a tweet. “As much as I respect all religions, I still remain a Muslim and no one should comment on what I choose to wear."

Jahan said reacting to comments made by hardliners would only breed hatred and violence, as evidenced by history.

Earlier on Saturday, Mufti Asad Quasmi of Madrasa Jamia Sheikh-ul-Hind in Saharanpur had criticised the parliamentarian. “Islam says a Muslim can marry only a Muslim. I have got to know that Nusrat is a film actor and people in the cinema do not care about religious practices. They do what they have to," he said.

TMC MP Mimi Chakraborty, who along with Jahan was also trolled earlier for her sartorial choices, extended support and said being an Indian would remain their only identification.

In May, Jahan and her Chakraborty had faced backlash on social media over their choice of clothes for their first day in Parliament.

In an interview with CNN-News18 earlier, Jahan said she has always followed her heart where life choices are concerned.

"I am glad that everybody is happy about my marriage, which was a personal decision. A lot of people asked me that I have 'sindoor' on my head, if I have converted because I married a Hindu. But I think we all have the right to choose our religion. I have chosen Islam by birth and will follow it but I respect all religions and their rituals. My husband and I follow our respective religions and I don’t think this is a bold step; it is natural," she had said.

(With inputs from agencies)