Lucknow: Uttar Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Keshav Prasad Maurya’s statement regarding madrasas has heated up the state’s political landscape. Maurya claimed that madrasas not only in India but also in Pakistan and Bangladesh promote terrorism. The opposition has questioned his statement, while Bareilly’s Maulana Shahabuddin Razvi has advised him to study history.
What did Keshav Prasad Maurya say?
Speaking to reporters, Keshav Prasad Maurya made a scathing remark about madrasa education. He stated that madrasas, whether in India, Pakistan, or Bangladesh, allegedly foster terrorism. His statement sparked a wave of political backlash.
Opposition leaders objected to Maurya’s statement, calling it divisive and saying such comments could undermine social harmony amid the election season.
There is already a debate about madrasa education.
Maurya’s statement comes at a time when discussions are underway regarding regulations and changes related to madrasa education in Uttar Pradesh. His statement has once again brought the issue to the center of political debate.
Differences between the government and the opposition have surfaced on various issues related to madrasa education in the past. This statement is likely to intensify the political debate on this topic.
Maulana Shahabuddin Rizvi replied
Bareilly-based Muslim cleric Maulana Shahabuddin Razvi Barelvi hit back at Maurya’s statement. He said that Keshav Prasad Maurya should study Indian history. Razvi claimed that a large number of Ulema fought against the British during the independence movement, and many even lost their lives. He said that people associated with madrasas contributed to the freedom struggle.
The cleric also said that it is unfair to associate madrasas solely with terrorism and that their historical contributions should also be understood. This statement has further intensified the political and social debate about madrasa education and its nature.