Maulana Sajjad Nomani, who came into limelight for his controversial statement regarding ‘Vote Jihad’ during Maharashtra elections, has now apologized for his statement. After the election results came, Maulana Nomani issued a letter and apologized unconditionally and said that his intention was not to hurt anyone’s sentiments.
After this apology, BJP leader Kirit Somaiya launched a scathing attack on Maulana. Raising questions in a video message on social media platform ‘X’, Somaiya said that when Maulana has apologised, when will Rahul Gandhi and Uddhav Thackeray apologise?
Maulana Sajjad Nomani gave clarification
Maulana Sajjad Nomani issued an apology saying that it would be unfair to take his statement out of context. He said, ‘My statement is from September 2024, which is much before the Maharashtra elections. I said this in the context of those people from whom their fundamental right to vote in the Lok Sabha elections was snatched away. This statement was not against any community, nor was it intended to hurt anyone’s sentiments. Nevertheless, if my words have hurt anyone’s sentiments, I take back my words and apologize unconditionally.
Somaiya demanded strict action
BJP leader Kirit Somaiya has demanded action from the Election Commission against Maulana Nomani. Somaiya said that by apologizing it has become clear that his statement was provocative and created tension in the society. He said, ‘Maulana himself has admitted that his statement served to instigate one religion and hurt the sentiments of another society. In such a situation, strict action should be taken against them. Somaiya also said that it is not just a matter of Maulana’s apology, but it is the responsibility of all those leaders who supported such statements.
People’s reactions after the controversy
Maulana’s statement and subsequent apology has sparked debate across the country. On one hand, Maulana has given his statement in a specific context, while on the other hand BJP is calling it inflammatory. Due to this controversy, tension has increased in the political environment of Maharashtra. At the same time, Maulana also added in his apology that he has always stood for truth and justice and will continue to oppose every person who oppresses the common people. Now it remains to be seen what action the Election Commission takes in this matter and how long this dispute continues.