Ulemas pitch for stronger Sunni body

In a meeting held by the Sunni Ulemas at Islam Gymkhana, representatives from across India pitched for a stronger centre for Sunnis to counter Deoband. Terming the Deobandis as followers of the Wahhabis ideology, Allama Tauqir Raza, said, “There needs to be a stronger group so that we have adequate representation.

We are 80% but we still do not have adequate representation in the boards.”

The Ulemas sought greater reservation in the OBC category. “We demand greater reservation for them,” said Maulana Idris Dastawi. Congress leaders present stated that the issue can be taken up with senior congress leaders.

The other issues that were raised were repealing of the direct tax code, amendments to the Right to Education Act and stronger WAQF Act. “We feel that DTC will destroy the madrasas if we have to pay 30% tax on whatever we get,” said Maulana Ather Ali.