Muslim Mamdani can become New York mayor, but in India there is discrimination, says Jamiat chief, BJP hits back

Arshad Madani

With the government's extensive crackdown on Al-Falah University against the backdrop of the Red Fort blast, Jamiat Ulema-e-Hind President Maulana Arshad Madani expressed deep concern over what he described as discrimination against Muslims in India, citing example such as the imprisonment of leaders like Azam Khan.

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) was quick to respond on Sunday, as it strongly criticised Madani for his remarks alleging discrimination against Muslims in India, terming his statements “confusing" and “misleading" at a time when the Delhi blast probe is underway.

BJP leader Yasar Jilani said that there can be no better place for Muslims than India, and no better human being or elder brother than Hindus. He added that Madani’s statement appeared to be confusing and lacked clarity.

"There cannot be a better place for Muslims than India, nor a better big brother than the Hindus. There is confusion in the statement made by Arshad Madani. On one hand, he says that the condition of Muslims in the world is not good, and on the other hand, he talks about Zohran Mamdani, the Mayor-elect of New York City. He also referred to Azam Khan and Al-Falah University. The owner of Al-Falah University is a perpetrator, and Azam Khan is also involved in various offences. The Central government is taking everyone along. He should not create confusion among the people of the nation," he said.

Countering the narrative that Muslims globally have become "helpless or finished," Madani pointed to the election of Muslim mayors in major international cities — Zahran Mamdani in New York and Sadiq Khan in London.

Madani alleged that "no Muslim can become a university vice-chancellor" in India, and even if someone does, "they will be sent to jail," referring to the scrutiny faced by Al-Falah University in the wake of the terror case.

Madani referred to Al Falah Group Chairman, Jawad Ahmed Siddiqui, who has been remanded to 13 days of Enforcement Directorate (ED) custody, till December 1, for committing the offence of money laundering linked to large-scale fraud, forged accreditation claims, and diversion of funds from the Al-Falah University ecosystem.

The primary four accused involved in the car blast near the Red Fort Metro Station, in which 15 people were killed, were the doctors of the Al Falah University, including Dr Umar Nabi, who committed the attack.