Ex-VC of Darul Uloom Deoband says his earlier remark was distorted by media.
Former vice-chancellor of Darul Uloom Deoband, Maulana Ghulam Vastanvi, got once again embroiled in controversy on Sunday by saying that Muslims would not have a problem if Narendra Modi becomes the prime minister (PM). However, within hours, he retracted the statement, saying that Modi’s hand was painted with blood and Muslims would not accept him.
Vastanvi, who runs educational institutes at Akkalkuava, Maharashtra, was in the city to attend a mass wedding of Muslim couples. He reportedly told mediapersons that Muslims would not have a problem if Modi becomes the prime minister. When his statement generated a controversy, he claimed that media had misinterpreted his statement.
“What I mean to say is that we can’t stop if a large section of the society gives votes to Modi and he or Sushma Swaraj, Rajnath Singh or even Gadkari become the PM. We are living in a democracy. Still I’m firm on the view that he is not fit for the post and his hand is painted with blood,” said Vastanvi at Vadodara airport on Sunday. “It is a long way to go and anything can happen before 2014 elections. Even their party (BJP) has not decided to make him PM candidate, so who am I to comment on the issue!”
According to Vastanvi, there should not be any comparison between Modi and Rahul Gandhi. “It is difficult to compare both the leaders. Rahul has the legacy to become the prime minister like his father and grandmother.”
Referring to BJP’s win in seats in Muslim-dominated areas, Vastanvi said, “BJP candidates were elected in Muslim-dominated areas, but it is not that voters chose Modi, it was their choice of local candidates. One cannot say that Muslims have accepted Modi in the state.”
Repeated attempts on Monday to talk to the religious scholar failed. Sources close to him reiterated what he said in Vadodara, while adding, “He is afraid of the media as it misrepresents statements.”
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