Kanpur, August 17: Shia cleric Maulana Yasub Abbas has called for respect towards “Vande Mataram,” urging political parties to refrain from using religion for electoral gains. He emphasized that the nation’s progress relies on education, employment, and development.
In an interview, Maulana Yasub Abbas stated, “It is completely wrong to interrupt Vande Mataram. As our national song, it deserves full respect and honor. Politics should not be played with Vande Mataram. The phrase means, ‘Oh Mother, we bow to you.’”
He also shared his views on the relationship between religion and patriotism, asserting, “When we talk about Muslims, they only worship Allah and bow before Him. They do not bow to anyone else. In places where love for religion precedes love for the nation, Taliban-like cultures thrive. The nation must come first.”
Maulana Abbas accused political parties of dividing society for votes. He remarked, “If it is said that Congress has done a lot for Muslims, that is incorrect. Political parties benefit significantly from their votes. Today, in Muslim areas, poverty, unemployment, and illiteracy prevail. Muslims are currently oppressed, and the same applies to Hindus.”
He added, “It is not right to mislead the youth in the name of religion. Politics should not target religion and faith. We must not corrupt our youth. We need to send our children to school, provide them with skills, and create job opportunities. Without education, no community can progress.”
Yasub Abbas concluded, “Those who are denied rights remain backward, while those who receive attention advance. Governments should act based on need, not religion. Our goal should be love, not hatred. If the country progresses, we all will progress. Therefore, let us honor national songs like Vande Mataram and focus politics on development, education, and employment issues.”
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