UP Deputy CM's Madrasa Remark Draws Flak; Congress Alleges Poll-Era Polarisation Bid

Uttar Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Keshav Prasad Maurya's remarks on madrasas, made on Tuesday (August 4, 2026), have triggered a political outcry in the state. Opposition parties and the prominent Muslim organisation Jamiat Ulama-i-Hind have condemned the statement, accusing the BJP leader of attempting to fuel communal polarisation ahead of elections.

Speaking to reporters in Vidhan Bhavan, Maurya said, "Those who receive a madrasa education neither chant 'Bharat Mata Ki Jai' nor sing 'Vande Mataram'; instead, they develop a terrorist-like mindset. Whether a madrasa is in Bangladesh, Pakistan, or India, it unofficially breeds terrorism."

The Congress party was quick to respond. Shahnawaz Alam, National Secretary of the Congress, said, "Such a statement is aimed at disrupting communal harmony and fuelling communal tensions in view of elections. Madrasas have a rich legacy and acted as key centres in the freedom movement; the BJP leaders are doing anything possible to communalise society and create an environment against a particular community. As elections in U.P. are coming, such statements will become a routine for electoral gains. The judiciary should take cognisance of the attempt to fuel social unrest."

Jamiat Ulama-i-Hind also condemned the remarks, calling them provocative, prejudiced, and a deliberate attempt to undermine social harmony. The organisation, which has historically been involved in educational and social welfare activities, stressed that madrasas have contributed significantly to India's pluralistic fabric.

The controversy comes at a time when Uttar Pradesh is gearing up for state elections. Political analysts note that such statements often intensify during poll seasons, as parties seek to consolidate their support bases. However, critics argue that targeting educational institutions based on religion risks alienating communities and worsening social divisions.

Madrasas, which are Islamic educational institutions, have existed in India for centuries. Many played a role in the freedom struggle, with students and teachers participating in the movement against British rule. In contemporary times, madrasas are regulated by state boards in several parts of the country and provide education to thousands of students, many from economically weaker sections.

The deputy chief minister's office has not yet issued a clarification or response to the criticism. Meanwhile, civil society members have urged restraint, emphasising the need for dialogue over diatribe. The Election Commission has not commented on the matter.

This incident highlights the delicate balance between free speech and social harmony. While public figures are entitled to express their views, such statements can have far-reaching consequences in a multi-religious society. It remains to be seen whether the controversy will fizzle out or escalate with political rhetoric in the coming weeks.