Jagran News Network, New Delhi: Former Vice President Mohammad Hamid Ansari has triggered a political row after citing former Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru's remark that the danger to India is Hindu right-wing communalism rather than communism.
Speaking at the A G Noorani Memorial Lecture, Ansari referenced the 2019 book The RSS: A Menace to India by late constitutional expert A G Noorani. In its preface, Noorani cited a remark made by Nehru during a meeting with Ministry of External Affairs officials, as documented by then-Foreign Secretary Jagat Singh Gundevia.
During his address, the former Vice President also expressed concern over the rise of cultural nationalism in place of civic nationalism. He warned that such emerging tendencies could present electoral majorities in the guise of religious majorities, dividing citizens along religious lines.
VHP Condemns Remarks, Cites Left-Wing Extremism And Islamic Terror
The Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) reacted sharply to Ansari's speech, urging Ansari to consider his former constitutional role and the country's social diversity before making such comments about the majority Hindu community, according to news agency IANS.
VHP spokesperson Vinod Bansal strongly condemned the remarks, calling it "shameful" to characterise the rise of Hindus as extremism.
Adding to this, VHP leader Karunsagar noted that Ansari forgot how Left-Wing Extremism has killed thousands of security forces, policemen, and civilians in the name of the Maoist movement. Karunsagar further stated that Ansari should address Islamic terrorism, Left-Wing Extremism, and other forms of extremism, rather than restricting his critique to Hindu revivalism.
Muslim Leaders Distance Themselves
Prominent Muslim religious leaders also rejected Ansari's assertions. Dr Imam Umer Ahmed Ilyasi, Chief Imam of the All India Imam Organisation, warned that such remarks could increase societal tension and accused Ansari of playing identity politics.
"When he held high positions, he didn't remember Muslims," Ilyasi noted, adding that Ansari is seeking political relevance now that the community has moved on.
Maulana Sajid Rashidi, head of the All India Imam Association, added that Muslims in India should not feel like outsiders and should avoid hate speech against any community.
"Failed To Maintain Dignity Of Position": Yogi Adityanath
Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath said that the former vice president failed to uphold the dignity of his position, describing the remarks as "a very unfortunate statement" aimed at tarnishing India's image globally.
"His statements were truly frightening, statements against India, Indian culture, and Indian tradition... He made statements purely criticising India's eternal tradition, insulting India's Hindu tradition, and there were some attempts to link it with terrorism," Adityanath said.
He reiterated that individuals who have held high constitutional posts are expected to prioritise the country's unity, integrity, and constitutional sanctity over personal opinions.
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Asaduddin Owaisi Defends Ansari's Legacy
AIMIM Chief Asaduddin Owaisi defended the former Vice President, highlighting his family's role in the freedom movement, his career in the Indian Foreign Service, and his academic background.
"He comes from a very prominent family that played a significant role in the country's independence. And Mr Hamid Ansari served the country well in the Indian Foreign Service. And thirdly, he is a scholar. You may disagree with him, but if someone questions his scholarship as if he doesn't love the country, I simply don't believe it," Owaisi said.
(With Inputs From Agencies)