New Delhi, Dec 6 (NationPress) Muslim clerics expressed strong disapproval on Saturday against Congress leader Hussain Dalwai for his comments questioning Prime Minister Narendra Modi's choice to present a Russian edition of the Bhagavad Gita to President Vladimir Putin during his two-day visit to India. The clerics asserted that creating a controversy over this gesture was unwarranted and demonstrated a misdirected critique.

During his welcoming in New Delhi, Prime Minister Modi graciously gifted President Putin with the Russian version of the Bhagavad Gita, a revered Hindu scripture acknowledged globally. This act was widely interpreted as an affirmation of India's cultural strengths and a symbol of enhanced cultural, strategic, and economic partnerships with a long-time ally.

In response, Dalwai criticized the gesture, stating to IANS, "I do not comprehend the purpose behind presenting the Bhagavad Gita. Religious texts should remain separate from political and international matters; if that is the intention, then the Quran, the Bible, and the Guru Granth Sahib should also have been included."

Addressing the criticism, All India Imam Association president Maulana Sajid Rashidi remarked to IANS, "The underlying issue for the Congress's current decline is individuals like Dalwai, who pose such absurd and nonsensical questions. I question Hussain Dalwai: if you were to gift books to others, would you choose the Gita? No, you would choose the Quran, correct? Because you want to promote the Quran; you want people to read it. But a Hindu, through his beliefs, will naturally present the Gita; why would he offer the Quran?"

"When the Congress is supposed to represent the nation and its ideals, its leaders come forward with these unfounded statements. This is why the Congress has reached its current low point. They should recognize this statement and denounce it," he added.

Further criticizing Dalwai, Maulana Rashidi stated, "A Hindu by faith will inherently present the Bhagavad Gita. He does not hold faith in the Quran. If there were individuals like Sajid Rashidi, they would present the Quran. As seen, Maulana Rashid Mandari has distributed the Quran to many. The choice of book reflects a person's faith. To make this a controversy is erroneous."

He also mentioned that the visit conveyed a significant diplomatic message, saying, "This visit should be interpreted as a strong response to America, a nation that attempted to hinder India's progress through tariffs. PM Modi has sent a robust message to the US by warmly receiving Putin. Under these circumstances, the citizens should feel proud rather than raise unfounded questions."

All India Shia Personal Law Board General Secretary Maulana Yasoob Abbas also expressed disdain for Dalwai's remarks, indicating that a leader from a national party should not "misuse religion to mislead humanity."

In conversation with IANS, Maulana Abbas stated, "The Prime Minister gifted the Bhagavad Gita to President Putin as he was visiting a predominantly Hindu nation like India. When Putin visits any Islamic country, he may receive a Quran. In my perspective, this should not be politicized. This is not merely a Hindu-Muslim issue. Responsible authorities must address this matter, and the involved parties should refrain from using religion to mislead humanity."