The Aryavarth Express
New Delhi: Jamiat Ulama-i-Hind President Maulana Mahmood Madani on Tuesday reiterated the organisation’s long-standing position on Vande Mataram, stating that any move to make its recital compulsory goes against the spirit of India. He also indicated that the Jamiat is exploring legal options to challenge the mandate.
“On Vande Mataram, our organisation discussed the issue extensively in 2011 and even before that. Now they are saying it will be compulsory. Forceful implementation is not the idea of India. We will challenge it legally if required. First, we will discuss it and try to bring civil society together,” Madani told.
Clarifies Remarks on “Jihad”
A day after his comments on the meaning of jihad sparked controversy, Madani clarified in an exclusive interview that the term is inherently “pious” and has been wrongly projected as negative by government agencies and political rhetoric.
He claimed the Centre and state governments have been using terms like “love jihad,” “land jihad,” “thook jihad,” and “vote jihad” to malign Muslims.
“Jihad is a sacred word. We are fighting for its true meaning. It is being misused to abuse Islam in a planned manner,” he said.
Questions Judicial Independence
Speaking earlier at the Jamiat’s National Governing Body meeting in Bhopal, Madani also raised concerns over the independence of the judiciary, referencing landmark cases such as the Babri Masjid verdict and the ruling on triple talaq.
He said the Supreme Court can be considered “supreme” only when it upholds the Constitution and the law.
Political Reactions
Madani’s remarks triggered sharp criticism from BJP leaders, members of the Vishva Hindu Parishad, and several others who accused him of misrepresenting national sentiments and institutions.
Parliament Stalemate Eases
Meanwhile, an all-party meeting chaired by Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla reached a breakthrough on the ongoing Parliamentary deadlock over the opposition’s demand for a discussion on the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls.
It was decided that:
A discussion on the 150th anniversary of Vande Mataram will take place at 12 pm on Monday, and
A debate on election reforms will be held at 12 pm on Tuesday.
Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju shared the update on X, noting that the agreement is expected to restore normal functioning of the Lok Sabha, which had seen repeated adjournments since the winter session began on Monday.
