Jamiat Ulama-i-Hind President Arshad Madani’s remarks on discrimination of Muslims in India has been met with sharp criticism, with the BJP accusing him of of looting the country’s minorities and resorting to blame-game politics.
In a video posted on X, Madani said that many around the world believe Muslims are “helpless” or “finished”. Citing examples such as Zohran Mamdani, the newly-elected Mayor of New York, and Sadiq Khan, the Mayor of London, Madani argued that Muslims are indeed capable of leadership roles. He said, “The world thinks that Muslims are helpless, but I don’t think so. A Muslim can become a mayor of New York, a Khan can become the mayor of London, but in India—a Muslim cannot even become a vice-chancellor of a university.”
Madani went on to claim that if a Muslim in India does manage to become a vice-chancellor, he will end up in jail like Azam Khan. Referring to the founder of Al-Falah university, which is under scanner after three doctors working there were named suspects in the red Fort blast case, Madani said: “Look at what is happening in Al-Falah. The founder, Jawad Siddiqui, is in jail, and who knows how many years he will have to be there,” Madani said.
धर्म के आधार पर लोगों को बांटने से देश कमज़ोर हो रहा है। जो हो रहा है, उसे देखकर लगता है कि फिरकापरस्त ताकतें इस्लाम और मुसलमानों दोनों को खत्म करने पर तुली हुई हैं। लेकिन शायद उन्हें यह नहीं पता कि इस्लाम का यह चिराग कभी नहीं बुझेगा और जिन्होंने इसे बुझाने की कोशिश की, वे खुद… pic.twitter.com/d8ot48mdVS
— Arshad Madani (@ArshadMadani007) November 22, 2025
He alleged that the Indian government has actively prevented Muslims from taking leadership positions. “Since independence, the government has been working to prevent Muslims from rising, hence people say Muslims do not have leadership qualities,” Madani said.
‘Madani looted country’s Muslims: BJP leader Mohsin Raza
Reacting sharply to Madani’s comment, BJP leader Mohsin Raza said that Madani and his family have looted the country’s Muslims and played blame-game politics. “Arshad Madani and his family have looted the country’s Muslims and played blame-game politics.
“This has been their dual character for a very long time. They kept receiving grants in the name of Muslim minorities for years but did nothing for them,” he added.
Congress backs Madani’s claim
Congress leader Udit Raj expressed support to Madani over his comments, saying that for mistakes of some people, the entire community should not be targeted. “I support his statement…I agree that someone has done terrorist activity in the Al-Falah University, but the university should not be targeted,” he said.
Speaking to ANI, Raj questioned as to why the entire community is being targeted and why are the houses of Muslims being razed. “Why are homes of Muslims being bulldozed? America is great, as there is no discrimination there. There is discrimination based on caste, religion”
