In a sharp critique echoing through Bareilly’s intellectual circles, Maulana Shahabuddin Razvi, national president of the All India Muslim Jamaat, has condemned the controversy surrounding veteran actor Naseeruddin Shah’s exclusion from a university event as a blatant display of communal bigotry and extremism.
The incident unfolded when Shah was initially invited to speak at a Mumbai University program but was later disinvited amid protests. Organizers countered that the actor had declined participation, sparking a flurry of accusations from both sides.
Razvi minced no words. ‘Naseeruddin Shah is a towering figure in Indian cinema and public discourse,’ he asserted. ‘Not every opinion can be branded as sedition. There’s a boundary to such labels, enshrined in our Constitution’s beauty, which allows free expression against the government.’
He emphasized that criticizing authorities falls squarely within democratic rights and cannot be equated with treason. However, what transpired at the university, Razvi argued, crosses into dangerous territory of sectarian prejudice.
Turning to Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityya Nath, Razvi offered rare praise. Unlike counterparts in Uttarakhand and Assam, Yogi focuses on development, not discrimination, he said. ‘He treats Hindus and Muslims equally, driving UP towards excellence with welfare schemes reaching all. That’s why many Muslims support him.’
Razvi clarified that no directives from the CM have targeted madrasas; any actions stem from court orders, not political vendettas. This balanced stance underscores a call for rationality amid rising tensions, reminding India of its pluralistic ethos.