Modi govt schemes benefit all, including Muslims, says Muslim Jamaat chief
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
All India Muslim Jamaat President Maulana Mufti Shahabuddin Razvi Barelvi on Wednesday, 7 October said that the welfare schemes run by the Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led Union government benefit every section of Indian society without discrimination — including the country's Muslim population. His remarks came as wishes poured in from across the nation marking Modi's 25 years in governance.
What Maulana Razvi Said
Speaking to reporters in Bareilly, Maulana Razvi stated, “The schemes being run by Prime Minister Narendra Modi through the Union government are benefiting all citizens of India without discrimination. Whether it is the Ayushman card, Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana, Ujjwala Yojana, or other schemes.”
He pushed back against claims that Muslims have been left out of the government’s welfare outreach, calling such assertions “completely wrong” and contrary to ground reality. “Wherever houses have been built under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana, poor Muslims have also benefited,” he added.
On Farmer Welfare and Economic Equity
Maulana Razvi also cited agricultural support as an example of non-discriminatory governance. “When farmers are helped through government schemes, there is no discrimination there either. Rather, the poor farmer is considered; neither Hindu nor Muslim is considered,” he said. He described serving the economic well-being of citizens as a core governmental responsibility, one he believes Prime Minister Modi is fulfilling effectively.
Swami Avdheshanand Giri’s Tribute
Swami Avdheshanand Giri, Acharya Mahamandleshwar of Juna Akhara, also joined in marking the occasion, praising Modi’s “uninterrupted devotion” to national service. In a post on social media platform X, Giri described the Prime Minister’s 25-year journey in office as an inspiring example of dedication, determination, and commitment to the nation. He invoked Indian philosophy, noting that work undertaken for the welfare of people is regarded as a form of austerity, and that a leader who dedicates his time and strength to the nation’s progress can inspire hope in millions.
Context and Significance
The statements are notable given ongoing debates about the reach of Central government welfare programmes across religious communities. Voices from within the Muslim leadership publicly affirming the inclusivity of flagship schemes such as Ayushman Bharat, Ujjwala, and Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana carry particular weight in that context. This comes amid a broader political conversation around minority welfare outcomes under the current administration. The convergence of endorsements from both a senior Muslim cleric and a prominent Hindu religious figure on the same occasion underscores the cross-community nature of the felicitations marking Modi’s governance milestone.