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The debate of ‘vote jihad’ vs ‘dharma-yuddh of votes’ erupted after a controversial video of Islamic scholar Sajjad Nomani.
Hindu seers have condemned Islamic scholar Sajjad Nomani’s controversial remarks and appealed Hindus to unite and vote for the BJP in Maharashtra.
Ahead of the upcoming Maharashtra Assembly elections, a group of Hindu seers have appealed to Sanatana believers to unite and vote for the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) that works to protect the values of Sanatana Dharma.
The BJP has alleged ‘vote jihad’ in the Assembly elections as Islamic clerics appealed Muslims to vote for the Congress and other parties in the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA). The row erupted over a controversial video of Islamic scholar Sajjid Nomani, where he apparently called for “capturing” the Maharashtra government and boycotting Muslims who had voted for the BJP.
How Hindu Seers Reacted To ‘Vote Jihad’?
Trishul Singh, a head priest in Vrindavan’s Maheshwar Dham, said if Muslim leaders are appealing to people to vote in favour of an “anti-Hindutva government”, then Hindus should also come together and vote for a pro-Hindutva government that works for Sanatana Dharma.
“This would be our priority. The truth should be accepted. Today, there are conspiracies to establish an anti-Hindutva government. We appeal to Hindus to vote for a pro-Hindutva government,” he said.
Saurabh Gaur, the President of Dharam Raksha Sangha, also denounced the support for ‘vote jihad’ among Muslim voters. “If the Muslim community can come together and vote against Hindus, I would also appeal to my Hindu community to mobilise and vote for Hindu-supporting parties to defeat the anti-Hindu brigade of Muslims,” he said.
Other seers also echoed similar sentiments, accusing Muslim clerics of trying to mislead the voters to ensure that people who support the values of Sanatana Dharma don’t win. “Vote jihad is important, but for Hindus. I appeal to all Hindus to consider our responsibility and the welfare of the country before voting,” said a woman seer.
Another priest accused Nomani of threatening voters who are willing to vote for the BJP. “If this is their choice, I would appeal to all Sanatani and Hindu communities to unite and vote for the BJP for their state, country and Sanatana Dharma. It’s now or never. Hindus should unite now,” he said
BJP Seeks ECI Action Against Nomani
Maharashtra’s Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis attacked Nomani for his divisive remarks and accused the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) alliance of attempting to divide voters on religious lines. “Only by standing together can we ensure our safety and stability. If there’s a ‘vote jihad,’ we must counter it with a dharma-yuddh of votes,” he said in a rally in Khadakwasla last week.
Fadnavis also brought attention to a 17-point charter reportedly submitted by the Ulama Council to the MVA. He described some demands as “dangerous”, including a proposed 10 per cent reservation for Muslims and the withdrawal of cases against Muslim youth involved in riots between 2012 and 2024.
Meanwhile, BJP leader Kirit Somaiya spoke in Mumbai about filing a complaint against Sajjad Nomani, a member of the Working Executive Committee of the All India Muslim Personal Law Board (AIMPLB), which is supporting the MVA alliance in the Assembly election. “The matter involves Maulana Khalilur Rahman Sajjad Nomani, who has started making hate speeches, calling for jihad. He also advocates for the social boycott of Muslim voters who supported the BJP,” Somaiya said.
Somaiya claimed that Nomani’s speeches shared on YouTube, aim to prevent the BJP from winning in Maharashtra by inciting hatred and division. He also alleged that these statements violate the Election Commission’s code of conduct.
(with agency inputs)