Madani’s 'jihad against oppression' remark sparks nationwide political backlash

Jamiat Ulema-e-Hind president Maulana Mahmood Madani has triggered a fierce political row after declaring that “if there is oppression, there will be jihad,” while accusing the judiciary and government of eroding the constitutional rights of minorities.

His comments — delivered during a public address — have drawn sharp condemnation from the Bharatiya Janata Party, which has accused him of inciting religious sentiment and challenging national institutions.

Madani asserted that recent court rulings, including judgments on the Babri Masjid dispute and triple talaq, reflected “government influence” on the judiciary. He alleged that a series of verdicts in recent years have “openly violated rights guaranteed to minorities under the Constitution.”

Founded in 1919, the Jamiat Ulema-e-Hind remains one of India’s most influential Islamic organisations and plays a prominent role in debates on citizenship, social welfare, and minority protection.

‘A court is supreme only if it protects the Constitution’

Criticising cases proceeding despite the Places of Worship Act, 1991, Madani argued that judicial decisions were straying from constitutional boundaries.

“The Supreme Court is entitled to be called ‘Supreme’ only as long as the Constitution is protected there,” he said. “If this does not happen, then it does not deserve to be called Supreme — not even in name.”

He also warned that public sentiment toward Muslims was shifting, claiming only 10% were supportive, while 30% were opposed, and the remaining 60% were silent. He urged Muslims to engage with this “silent majority,” saying if their stance turned hostile, “there will be danger in the country.”

‘Jihad is holy, and will remain so’

Madani strongly objected to the use of terms such as “love jihad,” “land jihad,” and “spit jihad,” accusing authorities and media of weaponizing a sacred concept.

“Jihad was and will always remain holy,” he said, adding that Islamic teachings describe it as a struggle for justice and the welfare of others. Reiterating his contentious line, he said: “If there is oppression, then there will be jihad.”

However, he added a note of restraint: “India’s democratic framework does not permit violent interpretations. Muslims here show loyalty to the Constitution. Protecting rights is the government’s responsibility — and if it fails, then the government is responsible.”

Triggering fresh debate: Vande Mataram remark

Madani also stirred another controversy by objecting to demands for Muslims to recite Vande Mataram.

“A dead community surrenders,” he said. “If someone orders you to say Vande Mataram and you comply, then that is the behaviour of a community that has given up.”

BJP slams speech as divisive, unconstitutional

Reacting sharply, BJP MLA Rameshwar Sharma accused Madani of provoking communal tension and attempting to undermine constitutional authority.

“New Jinnahs are emerging in India,” Sharma said, alleging that Madani’s words encouraged extremism. He demanded that the Supreme Court take suo motu cognizance and initiate legal action.

In a blistering rebuttal, Sharma claimed people like Madani “produce terrorists, jihadists, and rapists,” and then expect the judiciary to “serve biryani.”

“Will you spread terrorism, kill innocents, and expect the Supreme Court to reward you?” he said. “The Supreme Court will hang you.”

He warned that India would not tolerate attempts to undermine national unity. “If your children become doctors, the nation will honour them. If they become bomb-throwers, they will meet the same fate as their weapons.”

Calling for strict action — including sedition-like charges — Sharma said Madani must “stay within the Constitution and within his limits.”

As political outrage deepens, the controversy has reopened fraught debates around nationalism, constitutional freedoms, and the boundaries of religious expression — ensuring the remarks will continue to reverberate far beyond the speech that sparked them.