Indian Imam Criticizes US Commissions Support for Sharjeel Imams Religious Freedom Claims
Maulana Sajid Rashidi slams US Commission for labeling Sharjeel Imam a supporter of religious freedom, asserting Indias sovereignty.
New Delhi, November 14 (Daily Kiran) : Maulana Sajid Rashidi, president of the All India Imam Association, has expressed strong discontent over the U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom’s characterization of Sharjeel Imam as a proponent of religious freedom. He deemed the commission’s statement incorrect and emphasized that the U.S. should not interfere in India’s internal matters. Rashidi accused the U.S. of being India’s greatest adversary, asserting that the country is fully capable of resolving its own issues.
In an interview, Rashidi highlighted two major inaccuracies in the commission’s statement. First, he stated that Sharjeel Imam does not advocate for religious freedom and has made statements that have led to legal actions against him. Secondly, he questioned the authority of the U.S. Commission to interfere in India’s domestic affairs.
“Who are you to meddle in our issues?” Rashidi remarked. “It feels as if an uninvited guest is intruding into someone else’s business. Right now, the U.S. is India’s biggest enemy. One should never heed the advice of an enemy, as it is never beneficial. Our dignity rests in our own hands. This is our domestic matter, and we will resolve it ourselves.”
Rashidi also advised the U.S. Commission to refrain from commenting on India’s internal issues, asserting that Indian Muslims are content and capable of managing their own affairs.
Additionally, Rashidi responded to comments made by Asaduddin Owaisi, president of the AIMIM, regarding Samajwadi Party leader Akhilesh Yadav. He accused Yadav of aligning with the Bharatiya Janata Party’s political agenda, citing Yadav’s visit to the Ram Temple as a prime example.
He questioned the necessity of Yadav’s visit to the temple, given that Yadav has previously identified as an atheist and expressed disbelief in deities and religious rituals. Rashidi also mentioned Rajkumar Bhati, a spokesperson for the Samajwadi Party, who has converted to Buddhism and renounced Hindu deities.
If Yadav is indeed leaning towards Hindutva, Rashidi warned that it would be a betrayal of Muslims. He dismissed Yadav’s belief that visiting the Ram Temple would garner him Hindu votes as a political misunderstanding.
Rashidi concluded that Hindu votes constitute a strong base for the BJP, suggesting that Yadav is unlikely to gain any political advantage from his visit to the temple.
