New Delhi, June 24 (IANS) After Jamiat Ulema-e-Hind national president Maulana Syed Arshad Madani stated that “Jihad is every Muslim’s right,” BJP leaders on Wednesday criticised the remark, alleging that such statements are made periodically to promote a political agenda and provoke sections of the Muslim community.

The BJP leaders also urged religious clerics not to spread hatred in society and instead guide people towards education, social progress, and constructive engagement.

Speaking to IANS, BJP leader Rohan Gupta said, “Maulana Madani, every 10–15 days, makes some statement or warning to promote his politics and provoke Muslims. However, I believe the Muslim community has now understood this pattern and no longer gives much importance to such remarks. Sometimes he talks about jihad, and at other times about different issues, but Muslims in the country are receiving their rights as citizens of India.”

He further alleged that attempts are often made to link illegal immigrants with Muslims and associate the community with various issues for political gains.

“This kind of provocative politics has now come to an end. The politics of appeasement has also ended,” Gupta added.

BJP MP Bhola Singh also condemned the statement, saying, “Such remarks are irresponsible. Instead of guiding the youth of society, if community leaders make such statements, it is highly condemnable. Action should be taken against people who mislead and provoke society rather than providing positive guidance.”

Uttar Pradesh Minister Yogendra Upadhyay said, “This is the result of a narrow mindset that places religion above the nation. If Arshad Madani considers his religion to be above the nation, that is his personal way of thinking.”

Senior BJP leader Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi also criticised the remark.

“Some people are trying to create unrest in the name of jihad and are engaged in a form of competitive radicalism. They should understand that their agenda is repeatedly being rejected by the people and is not finding acceptance. India is a country where a large Muslim population lives in a non-Muslim-majority nation while enjoying full constitutional rights and protections,” he said.

Uttar Pradesh Minister Om Prakash Rajbhar urged clerics to focus on education and social development. “I would advise such religious leaders not to spread hatred in society. Instead, they should guide people towards better education and a positive direction. Divisive rhetoric only harms the community and hinders its progress,” he said.

Meanwhile, Maulana Syed Arshad Madani, while addressing the Uttarakhhand state executive meeting in Haridwar’s Piran Kaliyar area, made strong remarks on social harmony, democratic values, religious freedom, and issues of national importance.

The meeting was attended by a large gathering of ulema, huffaz, and members of the Muslim community.

During his address as the chief guest, Maulana Syed Arshad Madani said, “In 1803, when our country was under slavery, the message of jihad was given for the country’s independence. To free the country, that is, to remove the chains of slavery from the neck, it is every Muslim’s duty to do jihad. This is a teaching that has come from madrasas, and whoever does not know this is ignorant.”

–IANS

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