Will Akhilesh and Dimple Acknowledge Their Mosque Misuse?

New Delhi, July 28 (NationPress) As tensions rise over his contentious remarks directed at Samajwadi Party MP Dimple Yadav, All India Imam Association (AIIA) President Maulana Sajid Rashidi asserted on Monday that he will only offer an apology if SP leader Akhilesh Yadav and his wife Dimple apologize first for what he describes as the political exploitation of a mosque.

A First Information Report (FIR) has been lodged against Rashidi for allegedly making inflammatory, offensive, and purportedly misogynistic comments aimed at Dimple Yadav. The controversy originated from a recent meeting of the Samajwadi Party that took place inside a mosque in Delhi, with attendees including Dimple Yadav, her husband Akhilesh Yadav, and other senior party officials.

In an interview with IANS, Sajid Rashidi stated: "I will apologize only if Akhilesh Yadav and Dimple Yadav admit that their actions disrespected the sanctity of the mosque."

“Should they recognize that Muslim sentiments were hurt and publicly apologize, then I will also offer my apology. Until that happens, I stand by my statements.”

The remarks that ignited the controversy were made during a televised debate, where Rashidi referenced a photograph from the mosque meeting and commented on Dimple Yadav’s attire, stating: "Look at her (Dimple Yadav's) back. It is naked." This statement has faced widespread backlash as sexist and inappropriate, igniting outrage across political and social landscapes.

Rashidi maintains that his words were misconstrued and sensationalized unfairly.

"In my culture, it is deemed inappropriate for a woman not to cover her head with a pallu. I simply expressed that viewpoint. What crime have I committed? Did I launch a terror attack on the country?" he questioned.

"This issue is being exaggerated unnecessarily to deflect attention. Instead of reflecting on their conduct within the mosque, Akhilesh Yadav and his party are distorting the narrative to evade public scrutiny."

Rashidi accused the Samajwadi Party of exacerbating the controversy to distract from the primary issue: Why was political activity taking place inside a religious venue?

"They held discussions, sipped tea, and were seated in a manner that is inappropriate for a worship place. Rather than acknowledging this error, they are diverting public attention by portraying me as the villain. I have not disrespected women. I spoke in accordance with my religious and cultural values," he remarked.

Since the uproar began, Rashidi claims to have received threats from Samajwadi Party supporters.

"I have been receiving calls with abusive language and even threats of violence. One party worker demanded my location for a physical confrontation. Is this their interpretation of democracy and dignity?" he questioned.

“If they think I overstepped, they should respond through logic and legal channels, not intimidation. Their actions suggest they are trying to conceal something.”

Regarding the FIR filed against him, Rashidi expressed that he was aware and prepared to engage with the legal process.

"I’ve been informed about the FIR. We will respond legally at the appropriate time. The court will analyze my statements in context, examining what I said, why I said it, and whether it aligns with Islamic principles. I’m unafraid. The truth is on my side."

Rashidi did not hold back in addressing NDA women MPs who protested outside Parliament condemning his remarks. He challenged their selective outrage.

"These women did not protest when a leader physically assaulted a woman in public. They remained silent in Parliament when crimes against women occurred within their own party. Yet, they are vocal now, regarding my comments on religious decorum in a mosque. Why this inconsistency?"

"Where is the outrage when religious leaders from the Hindu community advocate for boycotts against Muslims, urging people not to rent out homes or shops to us? At that time, these same MPs chose to remain silent. Why is that not deemed hate speech? Why am I being targeted simply because I’m a Muslim?"

Positioning the issue within a broader context of marginalization, Rashidi stated: "This is not merely about one comment. It reflects the ongoing effort to silence Muslim voices in the country. But let me affirm—we will not be muted. We will speak the truth and uphold our beliefs."

He further asserted that he would not hesitate to repeat similar comments if circumstances arise again in the future.

"Yes, I would express the same sentiment again. Because what they did was erroneous. We must not allow political agendas to taint sacred spaces. That is my stance."

Rashidi challenged Dimple Yadav to demonstrate her respect for all religions equally.

"Let Dimple Yadav show a video of herself performing an aarti in front of a Hindu idol, dressed in the same attire, without a pallu on her head, just as she was in the mosque. If she can do that, maybe I’ll consider apologizing. Until then, do not expect me to yield," he concluded.

The cleric's comments have sparked widespread condemnation from political leaders, women's rights advocates, and civil society organizations. Numerous women MPs have labeled the remarks as sexist and regressive, calling for stringent legal consequences against Rashidi.