BJP minority chief files complaint against Cleric over alleged 'Fatwa'

New Delhi: A BJP leader has filed a police complaint against Islamic cleric Maulana Sajjad Nomani, accusing him of issuing a "fatwa" calling for the social boycott of Muslims supporting the BJP-led government at the Centre.

Jamal Siddiqui, president of the BJP’s Minority Morcha, lodged the complaint at Tughlak Road police station, alleging that Nomani, a prominent cleric based in Lucknow, issued the controversial decree during the Maharashtra Assembly elections.

According to Siddiqui, a widely circulated video shows Nomani urging Muslims to shun, refuse greetings to, and socially boycott those who align with the BJP. In the video, Nomani allegedly mocked BJP’s Muslim supporters, suggesting they should adopt names like “Ghanshyam,” symbolizing their exclusion from the Islamic community.

Siddiqui claims the "fatwa" has led to threats, abuse, and social isolation for Muslim BJP supporters. "After this fatwa, people have stopped interacting with me during Friday prayers and at places like Nizamuddin Dargah. I have been subjected to online abuse, and I feel socially boycotted," Siddiqui stated in his complaint.

The BJP leader also alleged that he is being followed and receiving death threats, creating significant challenges for him and other BJP members. Siddiqui has urged authorities to take strict action against Nomani, emphasizing the impact of his statements on the safety and social standing of Muslim BJP workers. The complaint includes a link to the alleged video as evidence.

Police are yet to comment on the matter, and further investigations are underway.

With PTI inputs