Modi praise brings Deoband ire on VC

His management degree did not help him strike a chord with his bosses in the Islamic seminary,  the Dar-ul-Uloom in Deoband and he had to face their ire probably from the day he assumed office as the ‘Mohtamim’ (vice chancellor).

According to sources in the seminary, Maulana Ghulam Mohammed Vastanvi, the newly appointed VC, on Wednesday submitted his resignation from the post of the head of the institution. The resignation, according to the sources, has been sent to the top body of the seminary.

The maulana, whose reported praise of Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi came under attack from a section of the clergy and the students, however alleged that there was a “conspiracy” against him.

He said he would not be able to turn his plans for development of the seminary into action in the present situation and had no other option but to quit.

Vastanvi’s resignation would be considered in the proposed meeting of  “Majlis-e-Shura” (the top body of rectors) on February 15. It was not clear if Vastanvi would continue in case his resignation was rejected.

Gift of idol

Vastanvi had allegedly praised Narendra Modi at a function a few days ago. It was also alleged that he had gifted an “idol” to a dignitary at the function, though Vastanvi strongly rejected the allegation.

Sources said a section of the clergy, including some members of the Majilis-e-Shura, were against appointing Vastanvi given his “modern outlook” and an “outsider” (Vastanvi is not a student of Deoband).