Muslims can become mayors abroad, but cannot even become university vice-chancellors in India : Maulana Arshad Madani

• Allegation by Maulana Arshad Madani, President of the Islamic organisation ‘Jamiat Ulema-e-Hind’

• Criticises the action taken against Al-Falah University’s president as well

New Delhi – In cities like London or New York, Muslims can become mayors, but in India, a Muslim does not even get an opportunity to become a university vice-chancellor. If a Muslim reaches such a position, his future becomes like that of Azam Khan, who ended up in jail. (the court sentenced Samajwadi Party leader Azam Khan in multiple criminal cases.) Al-Falah University’s Javed Ahmad was also jailed. Since independence, the Indian government has been trying not to let Muslims rise. The country is being unnecessarily divided on religious grounds. These statements were made by Maulana Arshad Madani, President of the Islamic organisation ‘Jamiat Ulema-e-Hind’, at an event. His remarks have drawn criticism.

Not only Muslims, but also Dalits and OBCs face injustice: Congress leader Udit Raj

Congress leader Udit Raj said that not only Muslims, but Dalits and Other Backward Classes are also deprived of various positions. (When the President of India herself belongs to a tribal community, making such statements is sheer falsehood! – Editor) The Union Government only promotes one particular community. Among the country’s 48 central universities, not a single vice-chancellor is Muslim, Dalit, or OBC. (On one hand, they yell about ending casteism; on the other, they demand such quotas – this is an anti-social attitude! – Editor) They are not seen in major institutions either. Only those aligned with the ideology of the RSS and BJP are given positions. If there have been terrorist activities inside Al-Falah University, action should be taken against the guilty. But calling the entire university guilty is wrong. In the recent IAS batch, not a single Dalit, tribal, or OBC candidate was selected. The government is excluding these communities.

Muslims enjoy freedom in India like nowhere else: Saint Ram Vilas Vedanti

Ayodhya’s Saint Ram Vilas Vedanti said that Muslims are MLAs and MPs in most states. If they were oppressed, they wouldn’t be elected. No other country gives minority representatives as much freedom as India. Muslims freely open madarasas here without any restrictions. Madani is speaking wrong. No Prime Minister before Narendra Modi has worked so much for social harmony.

He added that Muslims should see the condition in China, where mosques have been razed. Nowhere else in the world do people offer namaz on roads. But in India, they are allowed. No Muslim community has as much freedom anywhere as in India.

Muslims live comfortably in India

Ayodhya’s Sitaram Das Maharaj said that Madani’s statement is condemnable. Muslims in India live peacefully. In many countries, mosques are demolished—such is the situation even in China and the US—but he says nothing about that. Many Muslims have become ministers, and Arif Khan is the Governor of Bihar. Madani ignores all of this.

No friend greater than Hindus for Muslims: BJP Spokesperson Shahnawaz Hussain

BJP spokesperson and former Union Minister Shahnawaz Hussain said Madani’s remarks are highly irresponsible and incorrect. Minorities in India enjoy rights unmatched by any other country. For Muslims, there is no better place than India, no better friend than Hindus, and no better leader than Prime Minister Modi. The nation runs on ‘Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas, Sabka Vishwas, Sabka Prayas’. Many cities have had Muslim mayors. Muslims have held top constitutional positions. A Muslim can become President, Chief Justice, captain of the Indian cricket or hockey team, or Air Force chief. India has already had a Muslim President. Yet Madani says such things.

Madani should apologise

Hussain alleged that this organisation (Jamiat Ulema-e-Hind) once contributed to the freedom struggle but now functions under family dominance. Saying Muslims are oppressed in India is completely false. Madani should apologise.

India’s democracy is strong : Janata Dal (United)

JD(U) leader Neeraj Kumar said India’s democracy is safe and strong. The Constitution gives equal rights to all. People of every religion and caste have opportunities for progress. So why question India ?

Editorial Perspectives

• Muslim religious leaders are habitual liars! While it is a fact that Muslims in India have risen to posts such as President, Vice-President, Chief Minister, Governor, yet people who make such ungrateful statements should indeed be put behind bars.
• Supporting the president of a university involved in jihadi terrorism, who attempted to kill Hindus, is unacceptable. A terrorism case should be filed against Madani too, and the government must ensure he receives the death penalty!