'If there is oppression, there will be jihad': Jamiat chief
29 Nov 2025

Mahmood Madani, the President of Jamiat Ulema-e-Hind, has sparked a political controversy with his recent remarks.

He said, "If there is oppression, there will be jihad," accusing the judiciary and government of undermining minority rights.

His comments have drawn sharp criticism from Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader MLA Rameshwar Sharma, who accused him of inciting Muslims and challenging constitutional institutions.

Madani's criticism of judiciary and government
Judicial critique

Madani alleged that recent court verdicts, including those on the Babri Masjid and triple talaq, were influenced by the government.

He claimed "many such decisions" had "openly violated the rights of minorities guaranteed in the Constitution."

"The Supreme Court is entitled to be called 'Supreme' only as long as the Constitution is protected there," he said.

Madani's views on public sentiment toward Muslims
Public perception

Madani also spoke about the perception of Muslims by other people in India.

He said 10% support them, 30% oppose them, and 60% stay quiet. He asked Muslims to talk to this silent majority.

"If these 60% people turn against Muslims, then there will be a big danger in the country," he warned.

Madani's defense of jihad and criticism of media
Jihad discourse

Madani also defended the concept of jihad, calling it holy. He slammed terms like "love jihad," "spit jihad," and "land jihad" as misrepresentations.

"Jihad was and will always remain holy," he iterated, adding that religious texts mention jihad only "for the good and betterment of others."

However, he clarified that India's secular democratic framework doesn't allow violent interpretations of this concept.

Madani's comments on Vande Mataram and BJP's response
National anthem

Madani also made controversial remarks about Vande Mataram, saying, "A dead community surrenders."

He added, "If they say 'say Vande Mataram,' they will start reading it. This will be the identity of a dead community. If we are a living community, we will have to face the situation."

Taking objection, Sharma said that "new Jinnahs are emerging in India who are trying to provoke the country's Muslims," demanding the Supreme Court take suo motu cognizance of Madani's comments.