In a disturbing development, Maulvi Maulana Abu Talib Rehmani, a prominent religious leader, is facing serious allegations of making provocative and disrespectful statements that undermine the Constitution and the judiciary. During a public gathering, Rehmani reportedly made inflammatory remarks, including a statement claiming that “the Parliament is yours, the streets are ours,” which has led to widespread criticism, especially from BJP leaders in Mandya.
The BJP has raised concerns about Rehmani’s comments, alleging that they not only insult the Constitution but also threaten the fabric of India’s democratic institutions. As a result, BJP workers from Mandya have formally complained to the Mandya Additional SP, urging the authorities to take swift action against Maulvi Maulana Abu Talib Rehmani for his alleged divisive and communal remarks.
The Alleged Insult to the Constitution
The controversial statement, made during a public address, has been condemned by many as an outright insult to the Indian Constitution and the rule of law. By saying, “The Parliament is yours, the streets are ours,” Rehmani is accused of encouraging a sense of separatism, where one group considers itself outside the jurisdiction of the nation’s legal and political systems. His words have been seen by many as an attack on India’s secular democracy and a call for division, something that could inflame communal tensions.
BJP leaders have not taken this lightly. Opposition Leader R. Ashok took to Twitter to demand an FIR be filed against Rehmani for promoting such radical views. He wrote, “Maulana Abu Talib Rehmani has been making statements that divide society along religious lines. When will the government take action against him? Why is the Congress government turning a blind eye to such provocative speeches that undermine the dignity of the Constitution and the courts?”
“ನ್ಯಾಯಾಲಯದ ಮಾತನ್ನೂ ಕೇಳುವುದಿಲ್ಲ. ಸಂಸತ್ತು ನಿಮ್ಮದಾದರೆ, ಬೀದಿಗಳು ನಮ್ಮದು” ಎಂದು ಧರ್ಮದ ಹೆಸರಿನಲ್ಲಿ ಸಮಾಜ ಒಡೆಯುವ ಮಾತುಗಳನ್ನು ಆಡಿರೋ ಮೌಲಾನಾ ಅಬು ತಾಲಿಬ್ ರೆಹಮಾನಿ ಅವರ ಮೇಲೆ FIR ಯಾವಾಗ ಹಾಕುತ್ತೀರಿ ಸಿಎಂ @siddaramaiah ಹಾಗು ಡಿಸಿಎಂ @DKShivakumar ಅವರೇ?
ತೀವ್ರ ಅನಾರೋಗ್ಯದಿಂದ ಬಳಲುತ್ತಿರುವ ಒಬ್ಬ ಹಿಂದೂ ಸ್ವಾಮೀಜಿ… pic.twitter.com/3LQJYWdHjt
— R. Ashoka (@RAshokaBJP) December 3, 2024
A Call for Accountability
The BJP has strongly criticised the Congress-led Siddaramaiah government for allegedly allowing religious fanatics like Rehmani to make statements that could threaten the social harmony of the state. BJP leaders are accusing the ruling party of appeasement politics, which, they claim, has encouraged such figures to make such divisive remarks without fear of legal repercussions.
One BJP leader, speaking on the condition of anonymity, said, “While a Hindu Swamiji, who is suffering from a serious illness, was forced to apologise publicly for a statement and was summoned by the police for questioning, we see a stark double standard when it comes to Muslim fanatics. Why is there no action against Maulvi Rehmani, who has insulted the Constitution and the courts with his divisive rhetoric? It’s a clear example of the Congress’s appeasement politics.”
Rising Concern Over Divisive Politics
The BJP has been vocal in its condemnation of what it perceives as a rising wave of radicalism and fanaticism within certain sections of the Muslim community. The party argues that the soft stance of the current Congress government emboldens individuals like Maulvi Maulana Abu Talib Rehmani. The BJP’s concern is that such statements not only foster communal hatred but also erode the trust between communities that have been built over decades.
The issue is further complicated by the fact that while Rehmani’s controversial remarks were aimed at the government, they also carry a deep implication for social cohesion. When a religious leader calls for separation between Parliament and the streets, it can encourage extremist ideologies and send a dangerous message to impressionable youth.
BJP’s Charge Against Congress Government
BJP leaders have expressed their discontent with the Congress party’s handling of such matters, accusing the ruling party of playing politics of appeasement by shielding certain individuals under the guise of community interests. The party has pointed out the stark contrast in how the Congress government handles individuals from different religious backgrounds.
“If a Hindu religious leader even remotely speaks out of line, they are immediately reprimanded, questioned, and often forced to apologise. But when it comes to Muslim leaders making highly provocative and divisive speeches, the Congress government conveniently turns a blind eye. This selective justice is what’s dividing our state,” said a Karunakar Kasale a senior BJP leader.
The BJP has raised concerns that the Congress party’s continuous appeasement of certain elements within the Muslim community is ultimately detrimental to the unity and integrity of Karnataka and the country at large. They argue that appeasement, in the long run, will only alienate the state’s majority Hindu population, which could have disastrous consequences for the Congress in upcoming elections.
Political Implications for Congress
The incident has sparked a heated political debate in the state, with critics of the Congress accusing the party of sidelining secularism in favour of vote-bank politics. The BJP is confident that such incidents will cost the Congress in the long run, as the party’s appeasement of radical voices within the Muslim community may alienate moderate voters
“The Congress is losing ground across the country, and in Karnataka, the day is not far when they will face a similar fate,” said Karunakar Kasale a BJP spokesperson. “Their appeasement policies are already alienating a large section of the electorate, and the continued inaction on divisive speeches like those of Maulvi Rehmani will only hasten their decline.”
A Call for Legal Action
The BJP’s call for action against Maulvi Maulana Abu Talib Rehmani is gaining momentum, with many accusing him of spreading hate and undermining India’s democratic values. They argue that his provocative statements are not only harmful to society but also pose a threat to the country’s constitutional framework.
The Mandya police have been urged to take swift legal action and file an FIR against Rehmani, and there is growing pressure on the Congress government to address the issue of communalism head-on. The outcome of this case will likely play a significant role in shaping the political discourse in the state as parties continue to grapple with the challenges of managing a diverse and complex society.
If the Congress fails to take strong action against those making such provocative statements, it could lose the trust of large sections of the population and further fuel the fire of communal division in Karnataka.
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