The president of the All India Muslim Jamaat, Maulana Shahabuddin Razvi Bareilvi, has sharply criticised West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee over the nomination of Menaka Goswami as a Trinamool Congress (TMC) candidate for the Rajya Sabha.
Razvi alleged that promoting what he described as “un-Islamic ideology” through political representation was unacceptable from a religious standpoint. His remarks came after reports that Goswami is associated with the LGBTQ community and has publicly acknowledged her same-sex partner.
Remarks on Homosexuality
Maulana Razvi stated that, according to his interpretation of Islamic teachings, homosexuality is “haram” (forbidden). He argued that sending someone to the Upper House who publicly identifies with such a position would set what he termed a “wrong precedent.”
He said, “Some Rajya Sabha seats are to be filled, and in this process, West Bengal TMC president Mamata Banerjee has given a Rajya Sabha ticket to a woman, Menka Goswami, who belongs to the LGBT community. She is now going to become a Rajya Sabha member from TMC. The key point is that she promotes homosexuality, and by ‘homosexuality’ we mean same-sex relations. She herself identifies as homosexual, and reportedly, she also has a female partner. From the perspective of Islam, this is considered impermissible, and promoting it is strictly wrong…”
Bareilly, Uttar Pradesh: All India Muslim Jamat’s chief Maulana Shahabuddin Rizvi Barelvi says, “Some Rajya Sabha seats are to be filled, and in this process, West Bengal TMC president Mamata Banerjee has given a Rajya Sabha ticket to a woman, Menka Goswami, who belongs to the… pic.twitter.com/jZbcX7b7Qk
— IANS (@ians_india) February 28, 2026
His statement has triggered debate in political and religious circles in West Bengal, with many arguing that constitutional democracy allows representation irrespective of personal identity, while supporters of Razvi maintain that religious sensitivities must be respected.
The Trinamool Congress has not yet issued an official response to his remarks.
A record of controversial interventions
Maulana Razvi has previously been at the centre of multiple public controversies:
Waqf land claim during Maha Kumbh 2025
In June 2025, he claimed that the Maha Kumbh in Prayagraj was being organised on Waqf land. The statement sparked widespread debate and accusations from critics who described it as a “divisive ploy.”
Remarks against Mohammed Shami
In March 2025, Razvi drew criticism after calling Indian cricketer Mohammed Shami a “criminal” for allegedly consuming a sports drink instead of observing Roza during the ICC Champions Trophy. His comments were widely condemned across social and political circles.
Internal religious disputes
Razvi has also stirred controversy within sections of the Muslim community by referring to Deobandi and Shia sects as “small rivers” compared to what he described as the “ocean” of Barelvi belief.
Political positions
He has been vocal against the Samajwadi Party and its leader Akhilesh Yadav, accusing them of seeking Muslim votes without addressing community concerns. He has also advocated for the idea of “Akhand Bharat.”
Some reports allege that his remarks have led to FIRs and accusations of promoting divisive narratives.
Opposition to New Year celebrations
In late 2025, he sparked further controversy by declaring New Year celebrations “haraam,” drawing mixed reactions from religious scholars and civil society groups.
