New Delhi, May 21: Jamiat Ulama-i-Hind (M) strongly condemned Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma for his recent disparaging statements against Muslims and madrasa education. It also strongly urged the Election Commission of India to take cognizance of these statements and ensure that the principles of free and fair elections are upheld, free from divisive and communal rhetoric.
Issuing a statement, JUH(M) president Maulana Mahmood Madani said, “Such divisive and inflammatory comments not only undermine the secular fabric of our nation but also incite hatred and discord among communities. The Constitution of India guarantees every citizen the right to practice and propagate their religion freely. Any attempt to vilify or target a particular community based on their religious practices is unacceptable and goes against the principles of justice and equality enshrined in our Constitution.”
He further added, “The sacrifices of madrasa graduates in the country’s freedom struggle cannot be forgotten in any way. Therefore, talking about religious madrassas like this is actually an insult to the country. These institutions have played a significant role in shaping the moral and educational foundation of our nation.”
At BJP election rallies, CM Sarma said we “shut down shops producing mullas” and “end the business of four marriages” in Assam. As a BJP star campaigner, Sarma said at a pre-poll rally in Raghunathpur, Siwan, on May 18, that if NDA returns to power, it will bring the UCC and put an end to “this business of marrying four times.” Further, in an obvious reference to madrasas, he also said that “we will shut down shops that produce mullas.”
“We closed 700 madrassas in Assam, and no one dared to raise their voice against it. This is new India, the Hindus’ India, and I won’t let these Mulla-making shops open again. We need 400 seats so that we can bring the Uniform Civil Code, construct the Krishna Janambhoomi temple, construct the Gyanvapi temple, and stop reservations for Muslims,” Sarma said.
Maulana Madani underlined that Jamiat has always stood for harmony, peace, and respect across all communities. We think that embracing our diversity and establishing an atmosphere of respect and understanding for one another will lead to a stronger and more united India, he added.
He called upon all political leaders to refrain from making such provocative statements and to focus on issues that unite the nation rather than those that divide it. “It is the responsibility of our leaders to promote inclusivity and work towards the welfare of all citizens, regardless of their religious or cultural backgrounds,” he emphasized.
He also appealed to the people, irrespective of religion, not to be swayed by provocative statements aimed at creating discord.
