Mulayam indicts RSS schools; praises 'madarsas'

Lucknow, Nov 2: Alleging that RSS-run Saraswati Shishu Mandirs were spreading communal hatred in society, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Mulayam Singh Yadav today appreciated the role of 'madarsas' for their commitment towards Muslim education.

Addressing an 'Eid Milan' programme at Unity College here, Mr Yadav claimed he had specific information about the activities of the RSS-run educational institutions and their motive behind the same.

''Parents of several Saraswati Shishu Mandir students have complained to me that hatred is being taught there,'' he disclosed.

On contrast, the CM was all praises for 'madarsas' in his 30 odd minutes speech and criticised politicians, who ''talk negative'' about these minority educational institutions.

''No one has the right to point finger at 'madarsas', which are doing a great job everywhere,'' Mr Yadav maintained.

''My regime and the Samajwadi Party have always supported 'madarsas' and even given them grants for all-round development,'' he said, asserting that Muslims were living freely in UP only.

Raising the issue of Muslims being neglected in society, the former defence minister clarified Muslims were commited to the country like others and were an intergal part in its development.

Earlier, the SP supremo was presented with the 'Begum Hazrat Mahal' award by two prominent Shia clerics -- Maulana Kalbe Sadiq and Maulana Kalbe Jawwad. Maulana Sadiq is also the vice-president of the All India Muslim Personal Law Board.

Meanwhile reacting to the CM's statement against Saraswati Shishu Mandirs, local principal of the institute at Niralanagar area here Satyendra Kumar Shukla told sources everyone was welcome to examine what was being taughted there.

''We teach the books approved by the government and the syllabus prescribed by the government run educational boards...then how can anyone claim we are spreading hatred,'' Mr Shukla pointed out.

The principal claimed some Muslim students were also studying in his school.

UNI