The Paradox of Advocacy: Swara Bhaskar’s Feminism and Her Engagement with Controversial Figures

Actress and self-proclaimed feminist Swara Bhaskar has drawn sharp criticism after meeting radical Islamic cleric Sajjad Nomani alongside her husband, Fahad Ahmed.

This interaction comes ahead of the Maharashtra elections, where Ahmed is contesting from the Anushakti Nagar Vidhan Sabha constituency under the NCP-Congress-Sena alliance.

Nomani, known for his controversial remarks opposing women’s education, has been calling upon the Muslim community to vote en masse for the Maha Vikas Aghadi alliance. Swara’s meeting with him has intensified scrutiny of her stance on women’s empowerment and feminism.

Controversial Stance on Women’s Education

Sajjad Nomani, a member of the All-India Muslim Personal Law Board, has openly discouraged sending girls to educational institutions. In one of his speeches, he stated that it is “Haram” in Islam for parents to send their daughters to schools or colleges unaccompanied. According to him, even if a girl wears a hijab, attending an institution alone is forbidden.

Nomani further claimed that parents who allow this are destined for “Jahannum” (Hell) and encouraged vigilance among Muslims to prevent such practices.

He has advocated for teaching girls at home and finding female teachers instead of sending them to schools. “I swear on Allah that it is better to keep your daughters uneducated and illiterate instead of sending them to such colleges,” he declared in one of his sermons.

The cleric’s fundamentalist views extend to promoting the confinement of Muslim women, which he argues is necessary to preserve modesty and religious values. He has accused Muslim girls of abandoning purdah and modesty and urged parents to prioritize restricting their mobility over their education.

Praise for the Taliban

Sajjad Nomani has also expressed admiration for the Taliban, congratulating them after their takeover of Kabul. In a video, he lauded their “courage, religious zeal, and determination.”

“No one can defeat a community which is ready to die in its pursuit of power. Congratulations to the Taliban! I, as a Muslim from Hind, salute your courage,” Nomani remarked. He extended his greetings to various Muslim factions in Afghanistan, presenting the Taliban as an exemplary force of Islamic governance.

Claims of Religious Conspiracies

In addition to his opposition to women’s education, Nomani has propagated conspiracy theories targeting Hindu men. He has alleged that the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) has been orchestrating efforts to entrap Muslim women in relationships with Hindu men, leading them to abandon Islam.

In one of his speeches, Nomani claimed that “8 lakh Muslim women have turned infidel” after marrying Hindu men. He further alleged that these men receive financial incentives, including ₹2.5 lakhs, housing, and jobs, to participate in such schemes. These claims have fueled tensions and amplified his calls for vigilantism within the Muslim community.

Social Media Backlash

A photograph of Swara Bhaskar, her husband Fahad Ahmed, and Maulana Sajjad Nomani has gone viral on social media, sparking a wave of trolling. Critics have questioned Swara’s feminist credentials and her decision to associate with a cleric known for regressive views on women.

In the viral image, Swara is seen wearing a peach chikan work suit with her head covered by a dupatta. Trolls criticized her for not wearing a burqa, while others mocked her physical appearance. This backlash comes as no surprise, given Swara’s history of vocal activism and polarizing opinions.

Support for Fahad Ahmed

Swara Bhaskar has been actively campaigning for her husband, who is making his political debut. Fahad Ahmed’s candidacy under the NCP banner pits him against Sana Malik, the daughter of former minister Nawab Malik.

While Swara often discusses social issues and women’s rights, her association with Maulana Nomani has added a layer of complexity to her public image. Critics argue that her actions contradict her professed ideals of feminism and women’s empowerment.