In a blistering response to AIMIM’s call for closing liquor outlets during the holy month of Ramadan, VHP’s Vinod Bansal unleashed a barrage of questions that expose perceived hypocrisies in Islamist rhetoric. The statement, delivered on Thursday, has ignited a firestorm on social media and beyond.
‘Let AIMIM first reconcile their earthly abstinence with heavenly indulgences,’ Bansal told IANS. He pointed to Islamic descriptions of paradise featuring rivers of wine and companionship of houris. ‘They lure young Muslims to jihad and terror for these rewards. So, do they want alcohol in jannat or not? If yes, why shut shops on earth?’
Bansal’s critique didn’t stop there. He slammed proposals in Maharashtra to mimic Telangana by offering special leaves to Muslim staff during Ramadan. ‘These are divisive tactics. No place for communal favoritism. Abu Azmi’s demands make sense only if you consider his terror links—he’s the dads of extremists,’ he charged.
Turning to Maulana Arshad Madani’s outburst against reconversion campaigns, Bansal mocked the inconsistency. ‘Leaders should promote peace, not rage. Madani fears the simple term ‘ghar wapsi’ despite boasting fearlessness. It’s telling.’
This isn’t just banter; it’s a window into broader tensions over religious practices in secular India. VHP’s stance reinforces their narrative against minority appeasement, while AIMIM’s push underscores demands for cultural sensitivity. With elections looming in some states, such clashes could shape voter sentiments. The debate raises valid questions about balancing faith with national unity.