Maulana Arshad Madani attended a huge meeting in Jamiat Ulama-e-Karnataka, during which he shared some of his insights on integration of the nation. No matter how Hindus and Muslims compare in status of citizens of India, Madani noted, the “deteriorating atmosphere” is creating a desire for people to seek a new life elsewhere.
The Migration Question
One of the most powerful lines of Madani’s address focused on a wealthy citizen exodus. He asked why lakhs of Hindus, who together make up the vast majority, are choosing countries like Turkey, Singapore, Canada and Britain. “This country is ours; we were born here, and it is likely that we will die and be buried here.
But why are people escaping and running away?
The government should think about this, and definitely stop them,” Madani told reporters. On the other hand, official figures from the Ministry of External Affairs, are somewhat more trustworthy and show that over 1.6 lakh Indians lost their citizenship last year while that number has steadily increased every year. Roughly 2.25 lakh Indians renounced their citizenship in India last year, most of them HNWIs in pursuit of greener pastures in the world or to escape perceived violence of the local populace, it has been reported.
Muslim Problem
Madani laid out realities in terms of where Muslim community in India is without equivocation. He cited several structural issues:
- Bulldozer Justice: Heavy-machining tearing down of homes frequently before any legal processes are concluded is a mechanism that is used primarily against one community, he said.
Madani, who has accused people of being “anti-national,” said the way people are labeled “anti-national” is something to be afraid of. He also said he had seen "houses set on fire" and "Muslims murdered" and asked how the community should be able to live under such circumstances with dignity.
A Call for Secularism And Unity
Towards the end of the evening he reminded people that it is only through secularism that India will achieve national unity. During the movement for independence, he focused on the joint struggle of Hindus and Muslims and called on the current government to ensure constitutional guarantees for minorities.
Public and Political Response
The speech has prompted a new national conversation online, such as the debate on social media and political networks. The Jamiat chief’s supporters claim his comments reflect the “on-ground reality” of people in marginalized communities. Opposition back the ruling party on various aspects of public government programs like Sabka Saath and Sabka Vikas that they say would cover all the people in their favor regardless of their faith/religion.
