Bhopal, Nov 24 (NationPress) Madhya Pradesh Minister Vishwas Sarang criticized Maulana Arshad Madani, the chief of Jamiat Ulama-i-Hind, on Monday, expressing that it is regrettable for an Islamic scholar to be defending terrorists. This statement comes amidst the uproar over Madani’s allegations of discrimination against Muslims.

Sarang, who serves as the Sports and Youth Welfare Minister within the BJP-led state government, maintained that those who promote appeasement and sectarianism are attempting to sow religious discord throughout the nation.

In an interview with IANS, the BJP Minister stated, "Madani is pushing for the protection of terrorists, which is unacceptable in India when substantial evidence connects individuals or entities to terrorism. Anyone who acts against the nation or endorses terrorism will face consequences."

The comments made by the Jamiat chief ignited a nationwide debate after he spoke on Saturday in New Delhi, where he claimed there is discrimination against Muslims, referencing several security investigations linked to Al Falah University following a recent car explosion near the historic Red Fort in Delhi.

Madani also pointed out that while Muslims like Zohran Mamdani and a Khan can become mayors in New York and London, respectively, Muslims in India struggle to achieve even positions such as university vice-chancellors.

"The global perception is that Muslims have been subdued and finished. I disagree. Today, a Muslim, Mamdani, can become the mayor of New York, a Khan can lead London; yet in India, no one can even attain the role of a university vice chancellor," he remarked during a session at the Jamiat headquarters in New Delhi.

Al Falah University is under scrutiny by various security agencies following the November 10 explosion near the Red Fort, as the alleged suicide bomber, Dr. Umar Un Nabi, was a medical professor at the Faridabad institution.

Moreover, Dr. Mujammil Shakeel, from whose rented space in Faridabad over 2,900 kg of explosives were found, was also associated with the same university.

The Enforcement Directorate (ED) conducted searches at 25 locations across Delhi and Faridabad on November 17 in connection with a money laundering investigation related to the ongoing inquiry into the Delhi blast.

The central agency has also taken into custody Jawad Ahmed Siddiqui, the founder and chairman of Al-Falah University, in a separate case involving alleged financial misconduct, counterfeit accreditation documents, and misappropriation of institutional funds.