Maulana Sajid Rashidi Warns Against Repeat of 1992 Tragedy Amid Call for Kar Seva in Mathura

New Delhi, August 9: Maulana Sajid Rashidi, president of the All India Imam Association, has responded to the FIR filed against him, the Gyanvapi-Mathura dispute, and comments made by former Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan regarding “Vande Mataram.” He claims that the actions taken against him stem from communal biases.

Speaking about the FIR, Rashidi stated, “The FIR against me was filed because I am a Muslim and I attempted to present a truthful and positive message. Keshav Prasad Maurya’s assertion that all madrasas are factories of terrorism has gone unchallenged.”

He criticized the announcement by certain saints to hold Kar Seva in Mathura on December 6, stating, “This is the same Kar Seva that led to the demolition of the Babri Masjid in 1992. That day is remembered as a dark day for the entire nation. An illegal structure was demolished, a fact acknowledged by the Supreme Court, which deemed the act unlawful.”

Rashidi emphasized, “The Court also stated that action should be taken against those involved. It is unfortunate that lower courts have exonerated them. Those calling for such actions cannot be considered saints; they wear the guise of spirituality while inciting hatred between Hindus and Muslims. The government must take action against them.”

Regarding Vijayan’s comments on “Vande Mataram,” Rashidi remarked, “Vande Mataram is not mandatory in any sense. It is neither mandated by the Constitution nor mentioned in the recent bill passed by Parliament. This bill is solely about preventing its disrespect. Therefore, repeatedly raising the issue of Vande Mataram and hurting Muslim sentiments is a dirty political tactic.”

He referenced past Supreme Court rulings, stating, “In 1986 and 2016, the Supreme Court ruled that it cannot be imposed on anyone. Why issue an order that everyone must sing it in full? This goes against the faith of Muslims. It is not good politics. We should focus on unemployment, education, and job creation instead of fostering hatred between Hindus and Muslims.”

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