By TwoCircles.net staff reporter,
Patna: Though Jamiat Ulema-I-Hind (JUH) was divided into two groups in March 2008 after the tussle over the top post of the oldest Muslim organization in the country between MP Maulana Mahmood Madani and his uncle Maulana Arshad Madani. The split led to division of the organization in several states. On November 19, it was Bihar’s turn.
JUH Bihar unit which is considered as a strong hold of Maulana Arshad Madani as its old office bearers and majority of the members were united to favor him. But on 19 November for the first time, other group led by Maulana Mahmood Madani at national level also organized a meeting at Haj House in Patna, a few minutes walk from the headquarter of Bihar JUH, to elect new office bearers.
JUH (M) leader and MP Maulana Mahmood Madani was the chief guest while Maulana Hakimuddin Qasmi, nazim of JUH, and Maulana Hayatullah Qasmi, president of UP JUH, were present as observers on the occasion.
In the meeting, Maulana Idris from Kishanganj was elected president while Maulana Anwarul Haq of Sitamarhi, Maulana Ekramul Haq of Patna, Hafiz Fathullah of Gaya and Mufti Javed Iqbal of Kishanhanj were elected as vice presidents. Maulana Nazim of Patna was given responsibility of state nazim.
When reporters asked about division of JUH, Maulana Mahmood Madani replied: “It is incorrect that JUH has been divided, it is united as it was and it is strengthening day by day. On the contrary, those who are apposing us became isolated from the people.”
Reacting sharply, Maulana Syed Shah Mashood ahmad Qadri, nazim, Bihar JUH (A), condemned this election and termed it illegal action which violated the role and regulation of JUH.
In a statement he said: “There are thousands of members and representatives of all parts of state who are working under the leadership of Maulana Arshad Madani. In April 2008, they have elected Maulana Moen Qasmi as president of Bihar JUH and Hassan Ahmad Qadri as general secretary along with four vice presidents who are working with enthusiasm. But now some people, who were never seen participating in JUH, came out and hold election without informing JUH members.”
“As per JUH rule there is necessary to be members at block, district and state levels who elect working committee, executive committee and office bearers but this new group does not have any thing. Thus this election is unlawful” headed.
However, head office located near Patna Junction is under the control of JUH (A) and new group does not have any office so far. The time will tell that either the new group will capture the old office or find a new one for it.
[Photo by www.newageislam.org]