Jamiat Ulama-i-Hind chief Arshad Madani on 17 May raised sharp concerns over what the organisation described as a worsening climate of communalism, the alleged silence of constitutional institutions, and an escalating 'politics of intimidation' targeting Muslims and Islamic symbols in India. The remarks followed a two-day Working Committee meeting, after which Madani shared the adopted declaration through a post on X.

Key Concerns Raised

The declaration described the current political environment as 'extremely alarming', alleging that politics rooted in 'hatred' had evolved into a 'politics of intimidation' designed to create fear among Muslims and compel them to live under what the organisation termed 'imposed social and political conditions'. 'For the sake of power, a dangerous game is being played with peace and unity, resulting in a continuous rise in religious extremism and hatred, while the guardians of law remain silent spectators,' Madani said, quoting the declaration.

The organisation also alleged that religious sentiments were being weaponised to 'pit the majority against the minority', contrary to constitutional principles requiring governments to function through justice, fairness, and equality.

West Bengal Chief Minister Targeted in Declaration

The Jamiat's declaration took direct aim at remarks allegedly made by West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari following his electoral victory, accusing him of promoting divisive political messaging. 'The statement of the newly elected Chief Minister of West Bengal that he would 'work only for Hindus' is completely against constitutional and democratic values, because every Chief Minister takes an oath to uphold justice for all citizens,' the declaration stated. The organisation argued that those in power are constitutionally obligated to protect the rights of every citizen, not promote communal politics.

Allegations of a Systematic Policy Shift

The Jamiat Ulama-i-Hind further alleged a 'planned attempt' to transform India into what it called an 'ideological state', claiming that recent policy initiatives and legal measures form part of a broader pattern aimed at altering the country's constitutional and secular framework. The declaration cited measures including the Uniform Civil Code, moves to make 'Vande Mataram' mandatory, actions against mosques and madrasas, and what it described as the disenfranchisement of genuine citizens under the guise of Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls, as 'links in the same chain'.

Comparing the present situation with earlier governments, the declaration alleged that while past administrations may have caused harm to Muslims socially and economically, the current environment was 'far more dangerous'. 'Earlier, only Muslims were targeted; now Islam itself has become a target,' the declaration alleged, attributing this to laws enacted after 2014.

Call for Democratic Unity

Madani appealed to opposition parties, civil society organisations, and citizens to jointly resist what he termed 'communal and fascist forces'. 'We appeal to all justice-loving parties, social organisations, and patriotic citizens to unite against communal and fascist forces at the democratic and social levels, and to jointly struggle for brotherhood, tolerance, justice, and the supremacy of the Constitution,' he said. The organisation affirmed it would continue to pursue what it described as a legal and democratic struggle against the measures it opposes.

The Jamiat Ulama-i-Hind also alleged that anti-Islam propaganda was being conducted at a global level in an organised manner, though it asserted such efforts would ultimately fail. With communal tensions a recurring flashpoint in Indian politics, the declaration signals that one of India's largest Muslim organisations intends to escalate its political and legal engagement in the months ahead.