Bhopal/Bhubaneswar: Jamiat Ulema-e-Hind (JUH) president Mahmood Madani sparked a major row on Saturday by saying that “if there is oppression, there will be jihad”, and while accusing the country’s top judiciary and the government of undermining minority rights.
His remarks have triggered intense political reactions from the BJP which accused him of inciting Muslims and challenging Constitutional institutions.
Recent court verdicts, including those on the Babri Masjid and triple talaq cases, suggested that the judiciary was functioning “under government pressure”, Madani said. He claimed that “many such decisions” had emerged in recent years which “openly violated the rights of minorities guaranteed in the Constitution.”
Referring to cases proceeding despite the Places of Worship Act, 1991, Madani said such developments highlighted constitutional deviations.
“The Supreme Court is entitled to be called ‘Supreme’ only as long as the Constitution is protected there,” he said, adding: “If this does not
happen, then it does not deserve to be called supreme even in a non-remnant.”
Objecting to the way jihad is portrayed in public discourse, Madani accused the media and government of distorting a sacred concept. He criticised the usage of labels like “love jihad,” “spit jihad,” and “land jihad,” saying they misrepresented the true meaning.
“Jihad was and will always remain holy,” he said, adding that religious texts mention jihad only “for the good and betterment of others.” Reiterating his contentious statement, he said, “If there is oppression, then there will be jihad.”
India’s secular democratic framework does not allow any violent interpretation, he said.
“Here Muslims show loyalty to the Constitution,” Madani said adding that it is the government’s responsibility to safeguard citizens’ rights and that “if the government doesn’t do this, then the government is responsible.”
The JUH chief also sparked debate with his remarks on Vande Mataram.
“A dead community surrenders,” he said, adding: “If they say ‘say Vande Mataram,’ they will start reading it. This will be the identity of a dead community. If we are a living community, we will have to face the situation.”
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BJP national spokesperson Sambit Patra launched a sharp attack on Madani’s statements. Strongly criticising the