Chief Imam Calls Hamid Ansari’s ‘Hindu Extremism’ Remarks a Deliberate Plot to Stir Muslim Sentiment

When former Vice‑President Hamid Ansari spoke about “Hindu extremism” at an Islamic centre last week, it set off a flurry of reactions. The most vociferous came from Umer Ahmed Ilyasi, chief imam of the All India Imam Organisation, who told ANI that the former diplomat’s comments were nothing short of a conspiracy designed to rattle the Muslim community.

“I strongly condemn this statement,” Ilyasi said, pausing for a moment before adding, “today, Hamid Ansari sahab has remembered Muslims again.” He hinted that during his tenure in high office, Ansari projected a secular image, but now, according to the imam, he is trying to “regain his image among Muslims” by pointing fingers at Hindu organisations.

According to Ilyasi, the timing is suspect. “Some forces want to disturb the atmosphere of the country,” he argued, suggesting that the remarks could be a calculated move to create communal friction as India moves forward under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership. Yet, he reassured, “Muslims are sensible and will not get provoked by any such statement.”

The imam also reminded listeners that the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) chief Mohan Bhagwat has repeatedly spoken about unity – from saying all Indians share the same DNA to urging that sacred symbols like Shivlings not be searched for in mosques. Ilyasi urged Ansari to consider those statements, insisting that “if the perspective changes, the situation will also change.”

Not surprisingly, the Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) entered the fray. Its leader Vinod Bansal blasted Ansari, accusing him of insulting a nation that had given him “position, respect, money.” Bansal, speaking to ANI, pointed out the irony of Ansari’s criticisms being aired inside an Islamic centre and warned that the real threat comes from “extremist mindsets” that seek to pit minorities against the majority.

Bansal also questioned Ansari’s past affiliations, mentioning alleged ties to groups such as the PFI and SDPI during his vice‑presidential stint. “The threat is not from the majority Hindu society of India,” he said, “the threat is from those with extremist mindsets who spread the poison of minority‑majority divisions.”

Both leaders, from opposite sides of the communal divide, agree on one point: statements that fan flames of division are unwelcome. As the debate continues, the larger question remains – will such polemics push India closer to dialogue, or simply deepen the fault lines already present?