Muslims, madrasas being targeted for political gains: Arshad Madani
New Delhi: Jamiat Ulama-e-Hind National President Arshad Madani on Thursday alleged that Muslims and their educational institutions are being repeatedly targeted for political gains, asserting that such narratives “threaten communal harmony” and weaken the Constitutional values of the country.
His remarks come amid the continuing controversy over recent comments on madrasas, which were triggered by Uttar Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Keshav Prasad Maurya’s statement that madrasas in India, Pakistan and Bangladesh “unofficially breed terrorism”. Maurya had also alleged that students educated in such institutions do not display patriotism and instead develop a “terrorist-like mindset”.
The Uttar Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister had made the remarks while endorsing exiled Bangladeshi author Taslima Nasreen’s demand for a ban on madrasas, after she described them as “jihadi factories”.
Responding to the controversy, Madani took to social media platform X, where he strongly objected to the allegations directed at madrasas and accused critics of promoting a communal narrative.
“Declaring madrasas as hubs of terrorism is the height of communalism and prejudice,” Madani wrote.
He further claimed that those making such allegations had no moral authority to question institutions that, according to him, had contributed to the country’s history.
“It is deeply ironic that those whose political predecessors sought clemency from the British during India’s freedom struggle are now attempting to portray madrasas as centres of terrorism,” he further claimed.
Madani alleged that Muslims and madrasas have repeatedly been subjected to what he described as baseless accusations for electoral and political purposes aimed at creating communal divisions.
“For electoral and divisive political gains, Muslims and their educational institutions have repeatedly been subjected to baseless allegations. From questioning the curriculum and patriotism of madrasas to falsely branding them as breeding grounds of terrorism, such narratives are aimed at spreading hatred and mistrust,” he said.
The Jamiat chief further asserted that such statements were harmful to the country’s social fabric and Constitutional ethos.
“These irresponsible statements reflect a dangerous mindset that threatens communal harmony and undermines the unity and Constitutional values of India,” Madani stated.