New Delhi, July 13 (SocialNews.XYZ) A fresh political and religious controversy has erupted over Yoga Guru Ramdev’s ‘Hindu Rashtra’ remarks, with many Muslim clerics voicing strong disapproval while those from Opposition parties, particularly Congress, see this as an attempt to sow communal discord and division.
Yoga Guru, speaking at an event over the weekend, said that the idea of "Hindu Rashtra" should not be viewed with apprehension, as our “ancestors remain the same” irrespective of different religions, and stated that minorities must not feel threatened by such a concept.
"There is a Deoband near Haridwar. I was invited there in 2009. I told them, "Our religions may differ, but our ancestors are the same." There is no need for anyone to fear the concept of a 'Hindu Rashtra'. The ancestors of all of us were Sanatani Hindu Arya-Vedics. This is written right in front of us," Ramdev said, recounting his visit to an Islamic seminary in Uttar Pradesh.
The remarks, as expected, were labelled ‘divisive and inflammatory’ even as many Muslim clerics objected to his claims.
Maulana Khalid Rasheed Firangi Mahali, a member of All India Muslim Personal Law Board (AIMPLB), said, “We believe that all religious leaders, regardless of their faith, have a responsibility to promote love, harmony and mutual brotherhood in society. What a person chooses to wear or not wear is their personal choice.”
Shia religious leader Saif Abbas said, “It’s not appropriate for any religious leader to make such statements. Every person has a right to follow their own religion. Our country is governed by the Constitution and under the law, every individual has the right to practice his own faith and live life accordingly.”
Yasoob Abbas, All India Shia Personal Law Board said, “Whether one is Hindu or Muslim, we should speak about bringing everyone together. Regardless of religion, we should promote unity and harmony.”
Congress leader Salman Khurshid questioned the 60-year-old Yoga guru, asking why there was an attempt to create divisions on religious lines.
“There is no need to panic but ask those who talk about a Hindu Rashtra. Ask them, ask Baba Ramdev. He made this statement, hasn’t he? How can I tell what is in their mind or what context they are saying this? If everyone is Sanatani, then why are attempts being made to create so many divisions? Accept everyone as Sanatani; why are attempts being made to create division?”
Congress MP Akhilesh Prasad Singh, however, was more restrained and also showed agreement with the “outsider” claim of the Yoga guru.
“I agree with him to the extent that people here are not outsiders. If you go back around 600 years, many Muslims in Kashmir had converted from Hinduism. They may have been converted. Even in our religion, I know that such conversions took place,” he told IANS.
Waris Pathan, AIMIM spokesperson, advised the Yoga guru to stay within the confines of the Constitution and asked him to refrain from making such divisive remarks.
“Baba, Muslims do not fear anyone. We conduct ourselves within the framework. Do not mistake our silence for fear. You do not abide by the Constitution, so why talk about fear or panic?”
Source: IANS
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