New Delhi: Umar Ahmed Ilyasi, Chief of the All India Imam Organisation (AIIO), on Sunday dismissed as “absolutely wrong” the comparison drawn by Jamiat Ulema-e-Hind President Maulana Arshad Madani between Muslims in India and those in Western countries.
Ilyasi said it was inappropriate to equate the experiences of Indian Muslims with those in the US or UK, emphasising that India has historically offered respect and representation to Muslims. “India has had Muslim presidents, governors, chief ministers and even chief justices,” he said, noting that Madani’s remarks failed to acknowledge this.
Madani had earlier stated that Muslims were able to become mayors in major global cities like New York and London but, according to him, faced barriers in attaining top academic posts in India.
Ilyasi responded sharply, saying the comments could provoke unnecessary fear and unrest. “No amount of condemnation is enough,” he said, calling on Madani to retract the remarks. “He should hold a press conference and correct what he has said.”
The AIIO chief also argued that opportunities for Muslims had expanded in recent years, claiming that the selection of Muslim candidates in the civil services had increased after Prime Minister Narendra Modi assumed office. “Madani’s statement ignores these facts and misleads people,” he said.
The controversy began after Madani alleged that Muslims in India were “systematically denied” senior leadership positions in higher education, particularly Vice-Chancellor roles. He claimed that any Muslim appointed to such a post would face repercussions similar to those experienced by SP leader Azam Khan, alleging that “the system would ultimately send them to jail.”
Madani further cited Al-Falah University as an example and claimed that successive governments since Independence had prevented Muslims from advancing. “Muslims are not incapable, but their confidence has been deliberately broken,” he asserted.
