Hindu seers condemn Maulana Sajid Rashidi's alleged threat against Hindus
Synopsis
A Muslim cleric's alleged televised threat against Hindus has set off a sharp reaction in Ayodhya, with prominent seers demanding NSA arrests and even capital punishment. The controversy spotlights the persistent challenge of managing communal flashpoints in Uttar Pradesh — and the pressure on both state and Centre to respond.
Key Takeaways
Maulana Sajid Rashidi , a Muslim cleric, allegedly made threatening remarks against Hindus during a local TV interview, sparking outrage in Ayodhya on 2 May .
Sitaram Das Maharaj of Saket Bhawan Temple demanded Rashidi's arrest under the National Security Act (NSA) .
Jagadguru Paramhans Acharya called the remarks treasonous and urged the local administration to take strict legal action.
Mahamandaleshwar Vishnu Das Maharaj appealed to PM Narendra Modi and the Uttar Pradesh government to declare India a "Hindu Rashtra." Authorities had not issued a formal response at the time of reporting.
Hindu seers in Ayodhya on Saturday, 2 May sharply condemned Maulana Sajid Rashidi, a Muslim cleric, over an alleged statement he made against the Hindu community during an interview with a local television channel. The remarks have triggered a strong reaction from prominent religious figures across the city, with several demanding legal action against Rashidi.
The Alleged Statement
During the interview, Rashidi reportedly said: "Either memorise the 'Kalma' or else you will be killed. Only then Hindus will be scared of the Muslims. Only some Hindus get killed in the name of 'Kalma', Muslims and other things, only then they (Hindus) will be afraid." The statement, attributed to Rashidi, has not been independently verified and NationPress is reporting it as alleged. The clip is said to have circulated widely, prompting the backlash from Ayodhya's seer community.
Seers Demand Arrest and Government Action
Sitaram Das Maharaj of Saket Bhawan Temple condemned the remarks in strong terms. "Such jihadist terrorist thinking should be immediately reduced to dust. I want to ask the government why it is silent," he said, speaking to IANS. He accused Rashidi of attempting to provoke members of the Muslim community and alleged the cleric was "conspiring to create riots in the country." He demanded Rashidi be arrested under the National Security Act (NSA).
Jagadguru Paramhans Acharya, the Peethadheeshwar of Tapaswi Chhavani, went further, claiming that "Sajid Rashidi must have joined some terrorist organisation" and that his statements "come under treason." He urged the local administration of the place where the remarks were delivered to take strict action against the cleric.
Mahamandaleshwar Vishnu Das Maharaj also condemned the alleged remarks, asserting that "Hindus are brave" and will not be intimidated. He questioned why, in his words, "extremist Jihadis who look down on Hindus" were being allowed to remain in India. He appealed to the Uttar Pradesh government and Prime Minister Narendra Modi to declare India a "Hindu Rashtra," warning that failure to act would leave Hindus vulnerable.
Broader Context
The controversy comes at a time of heightened communal sensitivity in Uttar Pradesh, where statements by religious figures — from both communities — have repeatedly drawn political and legal scrutiny. Ayodhya, already a flashpoint of religious significance, has seen increased attention from law enforcement and political leadership over incidents that could disturb communal harmony. This is not the first time a cleric's televised remarks have prompted demands for action under the NSA or sedition provisions. Authorities in the relevant jurisdiction had not issued a formal response at the time of reporting.
What Happens Next
The seers have collectively urged the administration to register a case against Rashidi and take action under applicable laws. Whether the Uttar Pradesh Police or the Centre will act on these demands remains to be seen. The matter is likely to draw further political attention given the involvement of prominent religious leaders and the sensitivity of the location.
Point of View
Swift condemnation from religious leaders, and demands for draconian legal action — all before the administration has spoken. What is notable here is the escalation in rhetoric from the seer community itself, with calls ranging from NSA detention to capital punishment. Such responses risk inflaming the very tensions they claim to oppose. The real accountability question is not just what Rashidi said, but why local broadcasters aired the remarks without scrutiny — and why the state's response remains reactive rather than pre-emptive in a city as symbolically charged as Ayodhya.
NationPress
5 Aug 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What did Maulana Sajid Rashidi allegedly say against Hindus?
Rashidi allegedly said during a local TV interview that Hindus would only fear Muslims if some Hindus were killed in the name of 'Kalma'. The remarks have been widely condemned as threatening and provocative, though they are attributed and have not been independently verified.
Who is Maulana Sajid Rashidi?
Maulana Sajid Rashidi is a Muslim cleric whose alleged remarks during a local television interview triggered a sharp backlash from Hindu seers in Ayodhya. His organisational affiliations have not been confirmed in the available reports.
What action have Hindu seers demanded against Rashidi?
Prominent seers including Sitaram Das Maharaj have demanded Rashidi's arrest under the National Security Act (NSA). Jagadguru Paramhans Acharya has urged the local administration to initiate legal proceedings, calling the remarks treasonous.
Has the Uttar Pradesh government responded to the controversy?
At the time of reporting, neither the Uttar Pradesh government nor law enforcement had issued a formal response to the demands made by the seers.
Why is Ayodhya significant in this context?
Ayodhya is one of India's most religiously sensitive cities and has historically been a focal point for Hindu-Muslim communal tensions. Any inflammatory statement linked to the city draws heightened political and legal scrutiny from both state and central authorities.
