Mumbai, August 26: All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM) leader Waris Pathan has voiced strong opposition to the Allahabad High Court’s recent dress code ruling. He also addressed ongoing controversies regarding the image of Tipu Sultan in Maharashtra, the national song “Vande Mataram,” the Uniform Civil Code (UCC), and alleged free schemes introduced ahead of the upcoming elections in Uttar Pradesh. Pathan expressed his disagreement with the High Court’s decision on the dress code, emphasizing that the Constitution grants every individual the freedom to practice their religion. He stated that no one has the right to prevent a Muslim woman or girl from wearing a hijab. “Who decides whether a religious practice is essential or not?” he questioned.
Pathan asserted that the hijab is a part of Islamic religious practice, supported by Muslim scholars. He argued that banning the hijab violates religious freedom and personal choice. He pointed out that people of various religions wear symbols associated with their faith, citing examples like Hindu women wearing sindoor and mangalsutra, and Sikhs donning turbans and bangles. He asked why objections are raised against a Muslim woman’s choice to wear a hijab when others are free to display their religious symbols.
Referencing campaigns for women’s education such as “Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao,” Pathan stated that it would be inappropriate to deny a girl education simply because she chooses to wear a hijab to school or college. He expressed hope that if the High Court’s ruling is challenged in the Supreme Court, a different decision may emerge.
On the controversy surrounding the display of Tipu Sultan’s image in Maharashtra, Pathan launched a verbal attack on the BJP and RSS. He questioned whose image would be displayed if Tipu Sultan’s is not allowed. He described Tipu Sultan as a historical figure who fought against British rule and lost his life in battle.
Pathan made controversial allegations regarding Vinayak Damodar Savarkar and the RSS, referencing Savarkar’s letters of apology to the British. He questioned the BJP’s nationalism narrative, claiming that the RSS did not honor the national flag for a long time. He stated that those who issue certificates of nationalism should first disclose their contributions to the freedom movement.
He criticized the controversy over honoring Tipu Sultan, suggesting it reflects a politically biased view of history. “If someone died fighting against British rule, honoring them cannot be wrong,” he said, accusing the BJP of creating societal disputes over Tipu Sultan’s name. He emphasized that historical contributions should be evaluated within their context.
Regarding the ongoing political debate over “Vande Mataram,” Pathan clarified that his party and he personally respect the national song. However, he stressed that no one should be coerced into reciting it. He noted that the Muslim community has objections to certain lines of “Vande Mataram” due to their religious beliefs, as worship in Islam is solely for Allah.
Pathan stated that the national flag symbolizes respect and pride for him, and he fully honors the national anthem. He referenced an old Supreme Court ruling, highlighting the legal distinction between respecting the national anthem and mandating a national song. Criticizing the BJP and RSS, he argued that instead of distributing certificates of nationalism, democratic and constitutional rights should be upheld.
He asserted that forcing someone to sing a particular song in the name of patriotism contradicts the spirit of the Constitution. He reiterated that while he respects the country and the tricolor, he will not be compelled to act against his religious beliefs.
In response to questions about the UCC, Pathan opposed its implementation. He insisted that before enforcing a Uniform Civil Code, the government must clarify what it means by “uniformity.” He raised concerns about whether all personal laws, including Hindu inheritance laws, would be replaced by a single law imposed on the Muslim community. Pathan warned that the UCC could infringe on the rights and religious freedoms of Muslims, emphasizing that all communities’ religious and personal freedoms must be considered when creating laws.
On the topic of free laptops and bus services for women ahead of the Uttar Pradesh elections, Pathan sharply criticized the Yogi Adityanath government. He accused the government of failing to maintain law and order in Uttar Pradesh and relying on strict measures and bulldozer politics instead of development. With elections approaching, he suggested that the government is aware of its declining position among the public, prompting the announcement of various welfare schemes.
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