New Delhi, Feb 19 (NationPress) The President of Jamiat Ulema-e-Hind, Maulana Arshad Madani, faced intense backlash from the BJP and its allies on Thursday after his remarks aimed at Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) chief Mohan Bhagwat regarding his comments on “Ghar Wapsi” and demographic concerns. Madani warned that such statements promote hatred and erode the constitutional values of India.

In a message posted on X on Wednesday, Madani characterized calls for organizing a “Ghar Wapsi” for “twenty crore Muslims” as unprecedented in the last seventy years and alarmingly troubling. He stated, “Any voice that leads the nation towards ruin, destruction, unrest, and mutual hostility cannot be deemed loyal to the country.”

He further claimed that the nation is currently experiencing an “atmosphere of murder and violence”, referencing incidents of lynching and killings allegedly linked to cow protection.

Madani asserted that despite these incidents, the government has remained silent, while certain factions propagate the notion that only adherents of a specific ideology have the right to exist in India.

The BJP and its allies responded vehemently, accusing Madani of engaging in divisive rhetoric.

O.P. Rajbhar, the leader of the Suheldev Bharatiya Samaj Party and a minister in Uttar Pradesh, remarked to IANS, “Why don’t these clerics and religious figures discuss the education of their community? Why don’t they address health issues? Why aren’t they advocating for employment opportunities for their community? Instead, they are instilling a language of hatred.”

In a fierce critique, UP BJP MLA Nandkishor Gurjar stated, “This individual from Jamiat seems to provide legal counsel to terrorists and assists them in various ways. He should relocate to Pakistan, as that is where he belongs.”

Jammu and Kashmir BJP MLA Vikram Randhawa also condemned the comments, stating, “The counter-accusations made in the name of religion are incorrect. No one is attempting to destroy any religion or person. Regarding Mohan Bhagwat’s statements, there is no doubt: India is a Sanatan nation, and everyone associated with Sanatan Dharma understands its significance.”

Congress leader Hussain Dalwai offered a more tempered reaction, telling IANS, “The divisive efforts within society are inappropriate.”

He acknowledged that while Madani’s statement holds some truth, there should not be efforts to split society into Hindus and Muslims.

“Both communities coexist peacefully, but tensions arise due to certain individuals. There should be no negative comments directed at the Hindu community, and Muslims should also denounce communalism,” he stated.

In his post, Madani characterized the underlying viewpoint as a “blatant violation” of the Constitution, asserting that it poses a significant threat to the nation’s unity, integrity, and peace, although he did not specify any individual or organization.

He reiterated that Jamiat Ulema-e-Hind has consistently opposed communal and hate-driven ideologies and will continue to do so.

“Muslims are alive and will persist in their faith,” he emphasized, highlighting that peace and harmony in India can only be maintained within a secular constitutional framework.

He added that violence committed in the name of religion is unjustifiable, and all faiths advocate for humanity, tolerance, love, and unity.

Madani’s comments followed Mohan Bhagwat addressing a social harmony event at Saraswati Shishu Mandir in Lucknow, where he called for enhanced unity within Hindu society and urged vigilance, clarifying that Hindus are “not threatened” by anyone.

Later, Bhagwat also called for accelerating the “Ghar Wapsi” initiative and underscored the importance of caring for those who opt to return to Hinduism.