A major controversy has erupted following a speech by Mahmood Madani, the president of the influential Muslim organization Jamiat Ulema-e-Hind. Political parties, especially the BJP, have reacted sharply to his remarks during a conference in Bhopal, accusing him of threatening India’s constitutional institutions and making provocative remarks.
What Exactly Did Madani Say?
Speaking at the National Governing Body Meeting, Madani linked the concept of jihad directly to oppression. He stated, “if there is oppression, there will be jihad,” framing it as a response to perceived injustice. He launched a strong critique against the Indian judiciary, alleging it was functioning “under government pressure.” He cited recent verdicts on the Babri Masjid and triple talaq cases as examples of decisions that, in his view, “openly violated the rights of minorities guaranteed in the Constitution.” He went so far as to question the Supreme Court’s title, suggesting it is only ‘Supreme’ as long as it protects the Constitution.
#WATCH | Bhopal, MP: Jamiat Ulama-i-Hind president, Maulana Mahmood Madani says, “…After the verdict into Babri Masjid, triple talaq and several other matters, it seems that courts are functioning under Government’s pressure for a few years now…We have several instances… pic.twitter.com/4x9f3UUK9Y
— ANI (@ANI) November 29, 2025
How is He Viewing the Political Landscape?
Madani presented a unique analysis of public sentiment toward Muslims in India. He broke it down into three segments: 10% supportive, 30% against, and a crucial 60% that remains silent. He issued a warning, urging Muslims to actively engage with this silent majority. “Explain your issues to them. If these 60 per cent people turn against Muslims, then there will be a big danger in the country,” he said. This reflects a strategic concern about the potential for further social polarization and the importance of winning over the uncommitted middle.
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What is the Core of His “Jihad” Defense?
A significant portion of Madani’s address was devoted to defending the theological concept of jihad. He objected strongly to terms like “love jihad” and “land jihad,” accusing the media and government of distorting a sacred Islamic principle. “Jihad was and will always remain holy,” he asserted, clarifying that in religious texts, it is mentioned only “for the good and betterment of others.” He simultaneously affirmed that India’s secular democratic framework does not allow for any violent interpretation and that Muslims here show loyalty to the Constitution.
What Has Been the Political Fallout?
The remarks prompted an immediate and intense response from the BJP. Senior leader Sambit Patra criticised the remarks as “highly inappropriate” and an attempt to divide the country. He linked Madani’s use of the word ‘jihad’ to global terrorism, saying, “We have seen how, in the name of jihad, people have spread terror in India and beyond.” Another BJP leader, Rameshwar Sharma, called Madani a “new Jinnah” trying to provoke the community and urged the Supreme Court to take immediate suo motu action for violating the Constitution.
जमीयत उलेमा-ए-हिंद के प्रमुख मौलाना महमूद मदनी ने आज भोपाल में एक बैठक में जिस प्रकार का बयान दिया है, वह न केवल भड़काऊ है, अपितु देश को विभाजन की ओर ले जाने की उनकी कुचेष्टा है।
उनका कहना कि ‘जिहाद’ होना चाहिए, ‘जब-जब जुल्म होगा जिहाद होगा’, मुझे लगता है कि ये काफी अनुचित… pic.twitter.com/gjaTwDPlYU
— BJP (@BJP4India) November 29, 2025
#WATCH | Chhatarpur | On Jamiat Ulama-i-Hind president Maulana Mahmood Madani’s speech in Bhopal, Former Madhya Pradesh Home Minister and BJP leader Narottam Mishra says, “…He should see who are carrying out the bomb blasts? Who is doing ‘Jihad’? India will suppress the… pic.twitter.com/CMmPLj3brO
— ANI (@ANI) November 29, 2025
