New Delhi, November 23: Congress leader Udit Raj has backed the recent remarks of Jamiat Ulema-e-Hind President Maulana Arshad Madani, accusing the central government of neglecting marginalized communities in critical academic and administrative appointments. Raj alleged that while the government promotes the slogan "Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas," the reality on the ground is starkly different, with Muslims, Dalits, and OBCs systematically excluded from key positions in institutions under the Union government.
Raj claimed that these communities are being unfairly denied opportunities, pointing out that none of the 48 central government universities have Muslim, Dalit, or OBC vice-chancellors. Additionally, he highlighted the absence of such representatives in India’s top 159 academic institutions.
“Not only Muslims but also Dalits and OBCs are being sidelined in appointments. The central government continues to tout the slogan of 'Sabka Saath Sabka Vikas,' but in practice, only one particular caste is being promoted,” Raj said.
The Congress leader also accused the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and its ideological parent, the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), of exerting undue influence over appointments. “The RSS and BJP’s ideology dictates that only Sangh members be appointed to these positions,” he said. Raj criticized the government's handling of the Al Falah University case, questioning why the entire institution was being targeted despite the involvement of a few individuals in the Delhi terror attack. “Those involved at Al Falah University should face justice, but why is the entire university being blamed?” he added.
Further criticizing the government's recent lateral entry recruitment to the Indian Administrative Service (IAS), Raj pointed out that none of the selected candidates belonged to the SC, ST, or OBC categories. “The recent lateral-entry IAS recruitment, which was resumed after Rahul Gandhi's intervention, saw no representation from SC, ST, or OBC candidates. This government is actively excluding Muslims, Dalits, and backward classes,” he stated.
Raj’s comments followed Maulana Arshad Madani’s remarks on Saturday, in which he expressed concern over the challenges faced by Muslims in India. Madani highlighted the discrimination Muslims face, pointing to the imprisonment of individuals like Azam Khan and the controversy surrounding Al Falah University. He drew a comparison between the treatment of Muslims in India and the election of Muslim mayors in global cities like New York (Zahran Mamdani) and London (Sadiq Khan), suggesting that Muslims in India are marginalized.
“Globally, Muslims are rising—Zahran Mamdani is the mayor of New York, and Sadiq Khan is the mayor of London. But in India, no Muslim can even become a university vice-chancellor. And if one does, they are jailed, like Azam Khan. The government’s actions against Al Falah University show how they are ensuring Muslims never rise,” Madani said.
Madani’s remarks have reignited discussions about the state of Muslim representation in India, with both he and Udit Raj calling attention to what they describe as systematic exclusion of marginalized communities from important positions of power and influence.
