Muslim clerics seek Rizvi's dismissal

Several prominent Muslim clerics in Uttar Pradesh on Wednesday demanded the dismissal of Shia Waqf Board chairman Waseem Rizvi for his controversial remarks on madrasas.

They also  threatened to launch an agitation if their demand was not conceded by the Yogi Adityanath government in the state.

Rizvi had written letters to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the  chief minister seeking  the closure of all the  madrasas in the country and converting them into "secular" public schools, saying madrasas receive funding from Bangladesh and Pakistan and promoted terrorism.

Prominent Shia cleric Maulana Kalbe Jawwad said that Rizvi should be arrested for his "provocative" remarks and be sacked immediately.

"We will be forced to take to the streets if Rizvi is not dismissed," Jawwad said.

He said such remarks could result in violence in the state.

All-India Shia Personal Law Board spokesman Maualana Yasoob Abbas also criticised the remarks.

"We cannot call for shut down of all  madrasas if one or two persons turn to terrorism after receiving education there," Abbas said.

Another prominent Muslim cleric said Rizvi was making such remarks to "please" the BJP.

"Rizvi wants to please the BJP and that is why he has been making controversial remarks on Muslim issues," the cleric said.

Rizvi had said madrasas "run  through charity... they radicalise children and promote terrorism".

Rizvi had  incurred the wrath of Muslim outfits  earlier by offering to hand over the disputed site at Ayodhya to the Hindus for the construction of the Ram Temple.