Religious Tensions Escalate: Jamiat Chief Claims Supreme Court Under Government Pressure as BJP Leaders Respond

A significant political controversy emerged on Saturday following statements made by Maulana Mahmood Madani, president of Jamiat Ulama-i-Hind, during the organization's governing body meeting in Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh. Madani accused the Supreme Court of operating "under government pressure" and suggested that it "does not deserve to be called supreme" if it fails to fully implement the Constitution.

While addressing hundreds of delegates, Madani expressed concern that efforts to "spread hatred against Islam and Muslims" have intensified recently. He argued that the Islamic concept of jihad is being "deliberately distorted" and wrongly associated with terrorism. "Terms like love jihad, land jihad, and spit jihad are being invented solely to defame Muslims," he stated. "In Islam, jihad represents the struggle against injustice and oppression. Jihad will exist wherever oppression exists."

Madani claimed that Muslims nationwide are being targeted because of their "religious attire, identity, and lifestyle," and despite being equal citizens, they encounter "growing barriers" in education, employment, and social integration.

He expressed concern that Muslims are experiencing increasing insecurity, pointing to "bulldozer action, mob lynching, economic boycotts, and hate campaigns" as evidence. According to Madani, conversion laws have "criminalized the practice of offering prayers and teaching Muslims," while certain organizations receive "free rein."

Regarding government initiatives to regulate Waqf properties, Madani firmly opposed such measures, declaring, "Waqf is a trust created by Muslims. Interference in it will not be tolerated."

Describing the current social atmosphere as "dangerous," he warned that the country's silent majority might "turn towards hate-mongers," threatening national unity. He encouraged Muslim youth to "renounce despair, stay vigilant, and safeguard their constitutional rights."

Madani's statements prompted strong rebuttals from BJP representatives.

Vishwas Sarang, Madhya Pradesh's Minister for Cooperation, Sports and Youth Welfare, strongly criticized the Jamiat chief's comments regarding the Constitution and Supreme Court. "If someone who breathes India's air and drinks its water questions Vande Mataram, it constitutes an insult to the Constitutional system," Sarang remarked. "Madani has engaged in sectarian politics for too long. Disrespecting the Constitution and now criticizing the Supreme Court is unfortunate."

BJP MLA Rameshwar Sharma referenced historical texts such as the Babarnama and Akbarnama, contending that even Mughal rulers documented temple destruction. "If courts today restore temples, what is wrong with that?" he questioned.

Sharma added that if Madani wishes to prevent Islam from being defamed, he should "educate your children to stay away from acts like love jihad and land jihad."