By RINA,
New Delhi: Once Mulayam singh exhorted the Imam of Delhi’s Shahi Jama Masjid, “Lead prayers. Run Madrasas. Politics is not your field.” Today both Darul Uloom and Darul Uloom Wakf returned the same favour in their press releases after Mulayam Singh Yadav’s well publicized visit, saying, “Darul Uloom is an educational and training institution and a center of Islamic guidance, which has no connection with politics.”
After meeting with the Mohtamim of Darul Uloom Deoband in its guest house, Mulayam Singh said, “A long cherished wish to see Darul Uloom got fulfilled today.” However, the Mohtamim Maulana Marghoobur Rahman was prudent enough to clarify, “No political discussions were held with Mulayam Singh. Preserving Darul Uloom’s apolitical character is my first priority.”
Na’ib Mohtamim of Darul Uloom Wakf Deoband also described the visit as ‘Mulayam Singh’s wish to seek blessings of Maulana Mohammad Salim Qasmi, a prominent figure of Islamic world.’ Rather he was more emphatic, “Qasmi family has never had any relation with politics and Darul Uloom Wakf still maintains its tradition.”
In his encounter with Deoband Ulema, Samajwadi Party supreme, Mulayam Singh stressed, “I am fighting against communalism for which my moral got boosted during this visit. The love and affection with which I was welcomed here comprises a golden chapter in the history of secularism.” He appealed to Ulema to support him, arguing, “Communalists forces are hell-bent upon dividing the country.”
Lambasting UPA government, Mulayam Singh Yadav said, “The government has deliberately deferred implementation of Sachar Committee recommendations whereas we have been persistently working for it.” He also condemned Mayawati and accused Gujarat government of dyeing its hands with Muslims’ blood. Requesting Deoband Ulema to pray for his success, he said, “I am for Muslims, Muslims are for me.”
“Isn’t it a political visit?”, receiving Mulayam Singh, Maulana Arshad Madani asked him and he replied with a smile, “These are election days. The allegation is but natural, though I have not arranged any political meeting. I am just seeking Ulema’s blessings.” Nor was Maulana Masood Madani, the latest addition from Deoband to Samajwadi Party, visible anywhere.