Guwahati, Sept 30: Former MP and president of the All India United Democratic Front (AIUDF), Maulana Badruddin Ajmal, on Monday responded sharply to Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma’s recent remarks about Muslims and madrasas during a campaign for the Haryana assembly elections.
Ajmal urged the Chief Minister to focus on serving the people rather than fostering hostility toward the Muslim community, cautioning that no government remains in power forever.
Ajmal took offence at Sarma’s comment that India needs doctors and engineers, not mullahs, which was perceived as derogatory towards Muslims. He condemned the statement as divisive and prejudiced, asserting that it undermines the contributions and significance of the Muslim community in Assam.
The AIUDF leader challenged Sarma to implement concrete measures aimed at improving access to professional education for Muslims instead of delivering inflammatory speeches. Ajmal highlighted the fact that Muslims make up 34% of Assam’s population, stressing that the state’s development is impossible without their inclusion in broader development efforts.
“You cannot build a prosperous Assam while excluding such a significant portion of its population,” Ajmal declared, calling for a more inclusive approach to governance that benefits all communities in the state.
The AIUDF leader continued his criticism of the Assam government’s policies, accusing it of targeting madrasas and confiscating lands and properties belonging to Muslim institutions. He argued that while the government has taken such actions, it has done little to promote the education and development of Muslim youth. “How many schools and colleges has your government established in Muslim-majority areas?” Ajmal questioned, calling attention to the lack of infrastructure and opportunities in these regions.
Ajmal further stated that if the government genuinely wants Muslim youth to become doctors and engineers, it must provide them with the necessary resources, including quotas in colleges and universities, as well as the establishment of schools and educational institutions in Muslim-dominated areas.
He criticized the state’s efforts in this regard, asking pointedly, “How many Muslims have benefited from your government’s educational initiatives?”
He also invoked Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of a progressive Muslim community, symbolized by holding the Quran in one hand and a laptop in the other.
Ajmal contrasted this vision with what he sees as Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma’s consistent opposition to Muslims, calling for a more inclusive approach that aligns with national leadership’s vision for the community’s advancement.
Ajmal reminded Sarma that many Muslims had also voted for him in the last election, questioning the rationale behind the Chief Minister’s persistent antagonism toward the community. “If Muslims voted for you, why do you consistently express negativity toward them?” he asked, underscoring the importance of representing all constituents.
Ajmal also warned that despite attempts to oppress Muslims by limiting their access to education and employment, the government cannot erase their existence. “Muslims make up 34% of Assam’s population. You can try to suppress them, but you will never be able to abolish their presence,” he stated, emphasizing the significance of the Muslim community in Assam’s socio-political landscape.
He concluded with an appeal to Sarma, urging him to abandon what he called “senseless antagonism” against Muslims and focus on actions that benefit everyone in the state. “I pray for you to end this senseless antagonism and focus on good deeds that benefit everyone,” Ajmal added, calling for a more inclusive and constructive approach to governance.
