Jaipur

Gujarat businessman Zafar Sareshwala, who is considered close to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, had to leave the venue of All India Muslim Personal Law Board meeting here today after some members raised objection to his presence, following which he described the board as “an extension of certain political parties”.

Sareshwala told PTI here that the board will lose its relevance if it continued with its adamant approach.

“They will lose their relevance. The world will move on and such people will be left behind because time does not wait for anyone,” Sareshwala, a vocal supporter of Modi said.

Sareshwala, who is also Vice-Chancellor of Maulana Azad National Urdu University Hyderabad, said “the board is an extension of certain political parties”.

Prior to this, some board members raised objection to the presence Sareshwala at the meeting place, so an announcement was made for those who were not the invitee or members of the board to leave the place.

After the announcement, which did not mention anyone’s name, Sareshwala left the venue.

He said that it was agenda of Sareshwala (For us to meet Modi) but the board is not interested in this. Qureshi also raised objection over the appointment of Sareshwala as the Vice Chancellor of the Urdu University.

On whether Sareshwala was asked to leave the meeting, Qureshi said that all those who were not the members of the board and present in the meeting were asked to leave because no one other than invitees and members was allowed to attend the programme.

AIMLPB says Yoga anti-Islam, demands its withdrawal from school syllabus

Jaipur

All India Muslim Personal Law Board today strongly objected to Rajasthan government’s move to make Surya Namaskar and Yoga compulsory in schools and demanded its withdrawal from the government.

“This is anti-Islam and the government should immediately withdraw the decision. Islam does not permit for such practise.

“This is absolutely wrong to impose such things on Muslims,” Board’ assistant general secretary Abdul Rahim Qureshi said at a press conference after the board’s 24th meeting here.

“Internal stability is necessary for the peace and development in the country and the governments, both Central and states, should work in this direction instead of announcing such decision which affects our religious freedom,” he said.

Qureshi said that the government should not try to include chapters of “a religion’s book” in school syllabus.

“The government should develop a sense of confidence among the people of the minority communities that they can practise their religion without any problem but it is seen that Hindutva forces are carrying out their agenda against minorities after Narendra Modi became Prime Minister,” Qureshi said.

When asked what he has to say about the hate-speeches of Hyderabad MP Akbaruddin Owaisi, he while protecting him said,”I do not see anything provocative in his speeches.”

The board asked Muslims not to accept any polytheism activity in government schools and raise a voice.

The declaration also alleged that communal forces wanted Muslim youths to break laws so that they can get a chance to isolate the community and justify atrocities against them.

The board in the declaration asked the people to not break law.

The board also admitted that Muslims themselves were responsible for not presenting the right picture of Islam before the world.

© Copyright PTI. All rights reserved. Republication or redistribution of any PTI content, including by framing or similar means, is expressly prohibited without their prior written consent.