Lucknow, Aug 4 (PTI) Uttar Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Keshav Prasad Maurya sparked controversy on Tuesday when he claimed that individuals educated in madrassas “develop a terrorist-like mindset.” Speaking to reporters in Vidhan Bhavan on Tuesday, Maurya said, “Anyone who receives a madrassa education does not chant ‘Bharat Mata Ki Jai’ nor sing ‘Vande Mataram’, and develops a terrorist-like mindset.” Responding to Maurya’s remarks, senior Samajwadi Party leader Shivpal Yadav said, “The BJP nurtures terrorists, and they are found right in their offices. The BJP provides training to all these terrorists, and they are found in their offices and homes.” Maulana Imam Maqbool, who runs a madrassa in Barabanki, reacted to Maurya’s statement by noting that madrassas offer education not only in the Holy Quran but also in modern subjects such as Urdu, Hindi, History, English, Science, Mathematics, and Computer Studies.
He highlighted that many students graduating from madrassas are becoming doctors and engineers and expressed hope that they would eventually serve the country as IAS and IPS officers.
Maqbool further asserted that madrassas have always promoted messages of patriotism, brotherhood, and peace, making it unfortunate to link them to terrorism.
He emphasised that the Holy Quran forbids speaking ill of or harbouring negative thoughts about others.
Jamiat Ulama-i-Hind (AM) has condemned Maurya’s statement as “the height of communalism.” Maulana Arshad Madani, the organisation’s head, strongly criticised the remarks, stating that those whose ancestors sought forgiveness from the British are now accusing madrassas of terrorism.
“Such an inflammatory and irresponsible statement from a person holding a constitutional office not only undermines the dignity of that position, but also insults the country’s great religious and educational traditions, the history of the freedom struggle, and the Constitution of India itself,” Madani said.
He added that only someone unfamiliar with the country’s history and the role madrassas played in Independence and nation-building could make such a statement.
“Such remarks reflect a narrow mindset and negative perception,” he said.
Madani also emphasised that the office of the deputy chief minister does not belong to any single party, religion, or class, as it is a constitutional position.
“It is the duty of every responsible individual, who has sworn to uphold the Constitution of India, to foster unity, trust, and mutual respect in society, rather than make statements that hurt the sentiments of crores of citizens and damage social harmony,” he added. PTI NAV COR SLM MPL MPL
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