New Delhi, July 11: Maulana Sajid Rashidi, president of the All India Imam Association, has come under fire for a controversial statement regarding the marriage age of women. His remarks have sparked sharp reactions across the country, drawing criticism from the National Women’s Commission, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), and the Vishva Hindu Parishad (VHP), among others.
During a public event on Friday, Maulana Rashidi stated, “Delays in marriage are causing incidents of rape. If you want to keep your daughters safe, marry them off early.” This statement ignited a wave of controversy.
Babita Chauhan, chairperson of the Uttar Pradesh State Women’s Commission, condemned Rashidi’s remarks, labeling them as narrow-minded and anti-women. She emphasized, “Today, women in India are making their mark in every field and establishing their identity on an international level. Prime Minister Modi also speaks about women’s empowerment and aims to bring women on par with men, as they constitute half of the country’s population. If we are still lagging, it is due to the mindset of people like him.”
VHP spokesperson Vinod Bansal also criticized the Maulana’s statement, asserting that it reflects a fundamentalist and narrow mentality. He stated that all women in India have equal rights and demanded an apology from religious leaders who make such statements. He also called for action from the National Women’s Commission regarding this issue.
BJP leader Ram Kadam remarked that some Maulanas make such statements merely to gain attention. He asserted that the timing of marriage is a personal decision for every girl, and such opinions are entirely baseless.
Meanwhile, BJP spokesperson Pratul Shahdev raised a pertinent question, asking, “Is the Maulana trying to justify heinous acts like rape?” He insisted that individuals with such distorted views should be arrested and imprisoned, condemning the statement as indicative of hatred and misguided thinking towards women.
Additionally, Devesh Acharya, a priest from Hanumangarhi, found the Maulana’s comments highly objectionable. He stated that the remarks reveal a troubling mindset and urged people of all religions to distance themselves from such thinking, prioritizing the respect and dignity of women.
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