SDPI: Strong Condemnation of the distorted version of the incorrectly purported statement of Maulana Mehmood Madani published in Hindi daily Dainik Jagran on March 24, 2019 on its front page in Delhi edition

New Delhi: SDPI strongly condemn the misleading and distorted version of the statement, falsely purported to be made by Hazrat Maulana Mehmood Madani, the General Secretary, Jamiat Ulema E Hind on 24 March 2019 in Ahmedabad speaking at a programme of BBC Gujarati. Maulana Madani has instantly sent his contradiction clarifying that he never made such a statement that “Vivadit dhancha Masjid nahi” as it is proved from the record of YouTube channel of BBC Gujarati. The contradiction to the distorted version was sent on very same day for publication on behalf of Maulana Madani but Dainik Jagran even after passing two days has not published the contradiction at a conspicuous place in Dainik Jagran which shows the temerity of the Hindi daily at issue to publish unfounded and false version of statement.

Maulana Madani is a highly reputed cleric, having his following throughout India and Abroad. He also commands high respect across the communities on account of his yeomen service in many fields particularly, for the cause of fraternity, communal harmony and peace. The news item as it seems, had wilfully been published in view of ensuing efforts being taken through mediation in the dispute of Babri Masjid under the order of Supreme Court and also pampering Hindutva constituency to benefit fascist forces in upcoming Lok Sabha elections in the country. Maulana Madani is being made pawn and an object of character assassination for political purposes.

The false contents advertently and malignly published as a statement of Maulana Mehmood Madani attract criminal prosecution as well as proceedings in Press Council of India. The publication of the statement is subtly contradicted by record of YouTube. SDPI, stand shoulder to shoulder with Maulana Madani to protect his honour and reputation and is ready to make available all the legal and political help. SDPI appeals to all the organisations and individuals professing cleanliness in public life to register their protest in a voice against the fake, spurious and politically motivated journalism.

Adv Sharfuddin Ahmad
National Vice President
Social Democratic Party of India