AIMIM legislator Mufti Mohammad Ismail questions why temples, churches, and gurudwaras were excluded and defending the patriotism of Indian Muslims
NEW DELHI – A political storm erupted in Chhattisgarh after the Waqf Board chief issued an order making it mandatory to hoist the Indian national flag on all mosques, Waqf properties, and dargahs ahead of Independence Day. The announcement has been met with fierce opposition from All India Majlis-e Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM), with party leaders accusing the directive of unfairly targeting the Muslim community.
Mufti Mohammad Ismail, AIMIM legislator from Malegaon in Maharashtra, strongly condemned the Waqf Board chief’s statement during a press conference. “This decision raises questions about the patriotism of Muslims,” he said. “Why is it that only mosques are being singled out? Why not temples, churches, or gurudwaras?”
He further criticised the implication that any mosque failing to hoist the Tricolour could be labelled as ‘Pakistani’. “Muslims were the first to start resistance for India’s independence, and countless Muslim men and women sacrificed their lives for this country. To suggest otherwise is insulting and unfair,” Mufti Ismail added.
The AIMIM leader also questioned the political motivations behind the order, suggesting it was an act to please the current government. “The Waqf Board chief seems eager to show loyalty to the ruling party. But patriotism cannot be measured by compulsion or selective orders,” he said, pointing to other religious institutions that remain unaffected by such rules.
Highlighting inconsistencies, Mufti Ismail cited the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) headquarters in Nagpur, where the Tricolour was not hoisted for decades. “Should we label them Pakistani as well?” he asked, drawing attention to the double standards in the application of the directive.
“This order undermines the contribution of Indian Muslims to the nation’s freedom struggle and unfairly casts suspicion on their loyalty,” said an AIMIM spokesperson.
Local Muslim leaders have also voiced concern over the directive. Maulana Asif Qureshi, a senior cleric from Raipur, remarked, “Our community has always respected the national flag and celebrated national events. Imposing compulsory hoisting on mosques alone sends the wrong message and alienates Muslims unnecessarily.”
The controversy highlights ongoing debates over the intersection of religion and patriotism in India. While the government has emphasised national unity, critics argue that policies must be applied equally across all faiths to avoid singling out specific communities.
