New Delhi: Jamiat Ulama i Hind president Maulana Arshad Madani criticised the Congress party for its historical handling of communal politics and said its failure to act decisively after independence caused long term damage to the country and the Constitution.
In a public statement, Madani said firm action after the assassination of Mahatma Gandhi would have changed India’s political direction. He stated communal forces gained strength due to a soft approach adopted during Congress rule. He linked this approach to the present erosion of constitutional values and democratic norms.
Madani said the Constitution faced open disregard seventy seven years after independence. He argued sincere implementation of constitutional principles would have prevented the present crisis. He described the Congress policy towards religious hatred as flexible and damaging.
He recalled the period following Partition when anti Muslim riots spread across several regions. Madani referred to Gandhi’s fast to stop violence and said communal groups opposed his stand. He said these forces later carried out Gandhi’s assassination. According to Madani, the killing symbolised an attack on India’s secular character.
Madani said Jamiat Ulama i Hind repeatedly urged Congress leaders to act firmly against communalism. He stated these appeals received little attention, which allowed extremist forces to expand their influence.
He also highlighted a historical assurance given by Congress leaders before independence. Jamiat leaders had secured a written commitment promising a secular Constitution and full religious freedom for minorities. Madani said sections within the Congress later questioned secularism after Partition. Jamiat leaders opposed this position and pressed Congress to honour its promise.
Madani acknowledged the adoption of a secular Constitution. He added communalism continued to grow due to absence of strict laws and enforcement. He said Congress had full authority during its rule to curb communal politics. He concluded the party now faced consequences of its earlier choices.
