Union Minister of State for Home Affairs Bandi Sanjay Kumar accused some madrasas of “fostering terrorism” and threatening national security
Team Clarion
NEW DELHI – Union Minister of State for Home Affairs Bandi Sanjay Kumar’s remarks that some madrasas are breeding grounds for terrorism have drawn strong criticism from Jamiat Ulama-i-Hind, a premier organisation of the country’s Muslims.
Condemning the remarks as not only baseless but an insult to the office the minister holds, Jamiat chief Maulana Mahmood Asad Madani asserted that such comments reflect deliberate malice and Islamophobia, tarnishing the reputation of a ministry tasked with safeguarding the security and integrity of the country. He further expressed regret that a person with such divisive views holds a key government position, saying it is deeply troubling for the nation.
In a statement issued here on Thursday, Maulana Madani also pointed out that Kumar has repeatedly targeted a specific community with inflammatory rhetoric. Maulana Madani emphasised that madrasas are pillars of both Islamic heritage and India’s rich pluralistic fabric. “For over two centuries, they have been at the forefront of education, moral guidance, and interfaith harmony. These madrasas are not only crucial for academic learning but also serve as a beacon of religious tolerance and peace in society. In fact, madrasas are integral to India’s cultural legacy, embodying its diversity and historical values,” the statement said.
Maulana Madani stressed that the attempt to link madrasas with terrorism is a gross distortion of facts. The outrageous claim of madrasas manufacturing AK-47s from broomsticks is not only absurd but exposes the utter irresponsibility of such statements. He called on the Minister of Home Affairs to issue an immediate public apology for these remarks.
On Thursday, Kumar stirred a controversy with his latest comments, accusing some madrasas of “fostering terrorism” and threatening national security. During the inauguration of a girls’ hostel in Jammikunta, Karimnagar district in Telangana, Kumar claimed that certain madrasas are teaching students dangerous skills, even alleging that they train individuals to use AK-47 rifles with broomsticks.
Kumar, formerly the Telangana BJP chief, also criticised the state government for funding these institutions, suggesting they are involved in “promoting extremism.” He questioned the government’s decision to support these madrasas, though he did not provide evidence for his allegations.
