In Varanasi, PM Narendra Modi's 'Samvad' with Muslim women called off after protests
A teachers association strongly opposed the state government's order of brining 25 women from each madrassa for Samvad and said, “We are not members or agents of the BJP.”
Prime Minister Narendra Modi is scheduled to visit Varanasi, his Lok Sabha constituency, for a 2-day trip starting on September 22.
The Prime Minister's itinerary included inauguration of several infrastructure projects, address to public meetings and an interaction with Muslim women.
However, after the by several Muslim groups protests over the 'Samvad' session between PM Modi and women from minority community, the Prime Minister's Office has cancelled the interaction program.
According to the program, PM Modi was scheduled to hold a Samvad (an interaction) program with Muslim women from his Lok Sabha constituency.
The District Minority Welfare department had issued letters to all the principals and managers of various Varanasi madrassas to bring in 25 Muslim women from each seminary for participation in the Samvad with PM Program.
But a teachers association of Madaris-e-Arabia, Uttar Pradesh raised strong objection on madrassas being put under pressure by the government for the Samvad.
“We are not members or agents of the BJP. We condemn and oppose the move by the minority welfare department to mount pressure on us for bringing Muslim women for the PM’s program,” said Haji Diwan Saheb Zama Khan, General Secretary of Madarise Arabia, UP.
About 700 Muslim women were expected to participate in the program.
“It will be the responsibility of all madrassas to ensure participation of 25 Muslim women from their institutions,” the circular had said.
But after opposition from the Muslim organisation, the PMO cancelled the program.
The Minister of State for Minority Welfare Mohsin Raza said, “it was an interactive session with the honourable Prime Minister. Since some Muslim organisations have objected to it so we have recommended cancellation to avoid any controversy,” he pointed.
The cancellation has come as a shock to the members of the Muslim Muslim Foundation who wanted to thank the Prime Minister for his stand on the contentious issue of triple talaq.
“We wanted to request him to frame law on triple talaq and halala. We had drafted a questionnaire to urge the Prime Minister to make available employment to poor Muslim women to improve their economic conditions,” said Parveen, a member of the Foundation.