Jamiat Ulema-e-Hind has strongly criticized Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) chief Mohan Bhagwat for his recent remark asserting that “all Indians are Hindus.” In a scathing statement, the organization accused RSS leaders of undermining communal harmony in the country and reneging on their commitment to promoting mutual understanding between different religious communities.
Maulana Arshad Madani, the chief of Jamiat Ulema-e-Hind (Arshad Madani faction), voiced his support for the opposition bloc INDIA and emphasized the need for a political change to counter the growing atmosphere of hatred in the country.
“If the opposition parties are not united, their very existence will be in danger,” warned Maulana Arshad Madani, underscoring the urgency of defeating what he referred to as “communal forces” at both the state and national levels. He specifically mentioned the recent communal tensions in Karnataka, expressing the need to replicate the defeat of such forces nationwide.
Maulana Madani further alleged that an environment of hatred was prevalent in the country, and Muslims were being targeted in incidents of revenge, citing examples like Nuh and other places.
“The RSS has backtracked from the commitment to promoting peace, harmony, and love between Hindus and Muslims in India,” said Maulana Madani, highlighting that he had previously engaged in discussions with Mohan Bhagwat to promote mutual understanding and resolve misunderstandings in the country.
Maulana Madani lamented that the RSS leadership was no longer adhering to these commitments, adding that their statements indicated a lack of interest in fostering communal harmony. He also took issue with Bhagwat’s statement that “every Indian being a Hindu is meaningless” and asserted, “We are Hindi, not Hindu.”
RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat made the controversial remark last week, declaring India as a “Hindu Rashtra” and claiming that all Indians are Hindus. He argued that the term ‘Hindu’ represented all Indians and emphasized the Sangh’s responsibility to address the concerns of the entire populace.
The comments by Bhagwat have ignited a fresh debate on the definition of Indian identity and the role of religion in the country’s diverse society, with Jamiat Ulema-e-Hind’s criticism being the latest development in this ongoing discourse. The political and social implications of these statements are likely to remain a subject of discussion in the coming days as India grapples with issues of identity and communal harmony.