Nupur Sharma supporter Geert Wilders, a Dutch right-wing leader, sees major victory in election

Geert Wilders, a staunch far-right populist Dutch figure known for his anti-Islam beliefs, was set for a significant victory in the Netherlands parliamentary elections, according to recent exit polls. You may recall that Wilders famously backed BJP leader Nupur Sharma, whose remarks on Prophet Mohammad were made the news. Wilders’ Freedom Party (PVV), which promised to stop immigration, was projected to pull in 35 out of 150 seats.

As reported by news agency Reuters, Wilders’ expected victory defied previous predictions. In contrast, the party of outgoing Prime Minister Mark Rutte had a stumble, securing third place with only 23 seats as per exit polls. Rutte’s coalition government, which collapsed in July, resulting in this snap election, would see the end of his 13-year rule after all votes are counted.

Exit polls in the Netherlands, for your understanding, have a reputation for being rather reliable, with an error margin of approximately two seats.

Earlier, Wilders defended Nupur Sharma over controversial comments made about Prophet Mohammad during a television interview last year. Those comments, made in light of the horrific murder of a Udaipur-based tailor by two Muslim men in Rajasthan, drew substantial criticism from Gulf countries.

In a previous interview with India Today TV, Wilders criticized the statement by the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), which rebuked India in the wake of Sharma’s anti-Prophet remarks. “Look at yourself in the mirror before you decide what you think about India or any other country. The OIC released a declaration about human rights and all these nations are attacking India. They put Sharia law above democracy and human rights,” Wilders told India Today News Director Rahul Kanwal.

According to Wilders, the OIC nations are amongst the most intolerant countries, with dismal human rights records. “If you are a minority in those countries, you’re persecuted and imprisoned. Freedom is lost. India is a sovereign nation. We should not allow being lectured by them,” he further added.

Death threats resulting from his anti-Islam views have led to Wilders living under heavy police protection for the past few years. Now, you’d find it intriguing to see his position after these exit polls. Following Prophet Mohammad’s labeling as a “pedophile” and Islam being called a “fascist ideology” and a “backward religion,” Wilders is now in favor of banning mosques and the Quran, the holy book of Muslims, in the Netherlands.

Post the exit poll announcement, in his victory address, Wilders pledged to halt the supposed “tsunami of asylum and immigration”. A video posted online captures a visibly ecstatic Wilders as his party emerges victorious in the exit polls. “35. FVV, the largest party,” he tweeted in Dutch, referencing his far-right party.

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