Union Minister says madrasas are national security threat, sparks row
What's the story
Union Minister and Bharatiya Janata Party leader, Bandi Sanjay Kumar, ignited controversy on Wednesday by accusing madrasas of fostering terrorism and endangering national security. The remarks were made during the inauguration of a new girls' hostel block at Sri Vidyaranya Avasa Vidyalayam in Telangana's Karimnagar district. Kumar alleged that madrasas teach their students how to construct AK-47 rifles using broomsticks.
Funding controversy
Minister criticizes state funding of madrasas
Kumar criticized the state government for funding madrasas, alleging that these institutions use the money to promote extremism. He said, "In places like Hyderabad, Siddipet, or Karim Nagar, some madrasas are said to offer small sums of money...₹10 to 100, to their students. But what happens inside these madrasas? If you look at many of the wrongdoers in the world — the so-called 'bad guys'— when asked where they learned such things, many will point to a madrasa."
Statement
'Bomb blast...connection to teachings from such institutions': Minister
"Whether it's a bomb blast in America, Mumbai, or London, there's often a connection to teachings from such institutions," he added. "Yet, what does the government do? Instead of addressing this, it provides funds for these madrasas, under the guise of developing new technologies and educational programs," the BJP leader said. Reacting to Kumar's statement, AIMIM leader Asaduddin Owaisi posted on X, "This hateful statement...shows his mindset. Every Indian should strongly condemn this. He is encouraging Islamophobia in India."
In July
Madrasa recognition sparks debate in Uttar Pradesh
To recall, in July, a dispute arose in Uttar Pradesh when the opposition leader claimed that the government did not honor meritorious students studying in madrasas as it did for toppers of Sanskrit and state board schools. In response, BJP leader Mohsin Raza stated that no awards are given for "progress in religious education." Raza suggested those seeking such recognition should go to Saudi Arabia to receive their awards.