Uttarakhand Congress's Chief Spokesperson, Garima Mehra Dasouni, has raised pertinent questions regarding the timing of the state government's crackdown on illegal madrasas. Addressing the media, Dasouni expressed skepticism about the recent surge in such actions, particularly when the state is on the brink of elections.
Dasouni sharply questioned the effectiveness of the Madarsa Board under the leadership of Mohammad Shamoon Kazmi, imported from Bijnor by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). She suggested that the board’s failure to address the issue earlier raises doubts, remarking, “Was the chairman sleeping like Kumbhakarna, only to wake up suddenly as madrasas began mushrooming across the state?”
She further pointed out that the issue of illegal madrasas in the state had not been a priority until now. Dasouni highlighted a crucial incident from last year when reports surfaced of 700 Hindu children attending madrasas in Haridwar, which attracted national attention. “Had the government acted on this issue earlier, there might have been no need for this crackdown now,” she said.
The Congress leader also accused the state government of having a selective approach. “The BJP has been in power for eight years in Uttarakhand. It is only now, after the 2022 elections, that they seem to have started addressing this issue, as part of an ongoing agenda,” she remarked. While Dasouni clarified that Congress does not support illegal activities or encroachments, she criticized the government for applying double standards. She emphasized the need for a balanced approach, citing the numerous private educational institutions operating without licenses and the growing number of unregulated de-addiction centers in the state. “When will the government take action on these?”
Dasouni’s concerns also extended to the deteriorating law and order situation in Uttarakhand. Referring to the recent incident involving a female hockey player being assaulted by her coach, she expressed outrage, stating, “The incident is shameful for the state, and it is an example of the government's failure to provide adequate security to our athletes, especially female players.”
Dasouni questioned the timing of the government's actions, suggesting that it was no coincidence that issues related to Muslims, madrasas, and religious sites have resurfaced just before the elections. “Why is it that the government only remembers these issues at election time? Is it the fear of losing power that has prompted this sudden interest?” she asked.
As the political landscape in Uttarakhand continues to heat up in the lead-up to elections, the timing of the government’s actions regarding illegal madrasas, coupled with a series of other ongoing issues, has sparked widespread debate. The public and opposition alike are left questioning whether these measures are truly in the interest of governance or are politically motivated.
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