Muslims Can Become Mayors in New York and London but Not Vice Chancellors in India: Maulana Arshad Madani

Islamabad — Maulana Arshad Madani, President of Jamiat Ulema-e-Hind and head of the teaching faculty at Darul Uloom Deoband, has stated that while a Muslim can become the mayor of New York or London, he cannot even be appointed as a vice chancellor in India.

His remarks have gone viral on social media and, according to Indian media reports, sparked unrest within government circles.

Speaking at an event in Delhi, Maulana Madani said the government is making every possible effort to ensure that Muslims remain marginalized. “If by any chance a Muslim becomes a vice chancellor, he is immediately sent to jail, just like what happened with Azam Khan,” he said.

He further referenced the situation at Al-Falah University, stating, “Look at what is happening today. The owner of Al-Falah University is rotting in jail, and no one knows how long he will remain there. What kind of judicial system keeps someone imprisoned when charges have not yet been fully proven?”

Maulana Madani expressed that even 75 years after independence, Muslims in India have been systematically prevented from progressing in education, leadership, and administrative structures. He added, “The government is pulling the ground from beneath the feet of Muslims — and to a great extent, it has succeeded. Today, the morale of Muslims has been shattered.”

According to Indian media, his statement has caused significant disturbance within government institutions.

धर्म के आधार पर लोगों को बांटने से देश कमज़ोर हो रहा है। जो हो रहा है, उसे देखकर लगता है कि फिरकापरस्त ताकतें इस्लाम और मुसलमानों दोनों को खत्म करने पर तुली हुई हैं। लेकिन शायद उन्हें यह नहीं पता कि इस्लाम का यह चिराग कभी नहीं बुझेगा और जिन्होंने इसे बुझाने की कोशिश की, वे खुद… pic.twitter.com/d8ot48mdVS

— Arshad Madani (@ArshadMadani007) November 22, 2025