‘We are Muslims first, Indians later', says SP leader Maviya Ali

His remark comes at a time when the UP government has instructed madrassas to hoist the national flag, sing the national anthem and pay tributes to freedom fighters on the occasion of Independence Day

In a controversial remark ahead of the Independence Day, Samajwadi Party leader Maviya Ali has said that religious identity comes before national identity.

His remark comes at a time when the Uttar Pradesh government has instructed the madrassas to hoist the national flag, sing the national anthem and pay tributes to freedom fighters on the occasion of Independence Day on Tuesday.

"Pehle musalman hain phir Hindustani, duniya mein kahin bhi musalman ho pehle musalman hai phir kisi desh ka naagrik (We are first Muslims then Indians. Everywhere in the world, a Muslim is first a Muslim and then the citizen of the nation)," Ali told news agency ANI.

India Today earlier reported that Ali had dubbed UP government's notice regarding holding celebrations on August 15 in madrasas as anti-Islamic.

According to the state government circular, on Independence Day, flag hoisting and recitation of the National Anthem will take place at 8 am.

Following this, tributes will be paid to the martyrs of the freedom struggle. Students will sing songs on nationalism and will be told about the history of August 15 and the freedom fighters. Besides, cultural programs will be organised on the theme of national unity, along with sports activities.

Reacting to the directive, All India Muslim Personal Law Board member Maulana Khalid Rashid Farangi Mahli had earlier said the community has been celebrating Independence Day since 1947 in madrassas, hoisting the national flag and singing the national anthem.

"What is the intention behind the order?" he wondered.

OneIndia News