Prominent cleric Maulana Shahabuddin Razvi has voiced strong disapproval over the handling of actor Naseeruddin Shah at a university event, terming it a clear case of religious fanaticism.
Shah was slated to appear at Mumbai University but the invitation was rescinded after protests; hosts maintained he refused to attend, leading to a war of words.
Razvi’s response was unequivocal: ‘Naseeruddin Shah commands respect nationwide. We can’t shove every statement into sedition’s box. Our Constitution cherishes this freedom, enabling candid public discourse.’
Government bashing, he noted, is legitimate expression, not betrayal. Yet the university incident signals deeper malaise—communal forces at play.
Shifting gears, Razvi commended UP’s Yogi Adityyanath for steering clear of minority-targeted policies. ‘Focused on growth, he unites communities, with UP’s schemes aiding Muslims too. No orders to dismantle madrasas; courts dictate those steps.’
This endorsement reflects widespread Muslim approval for Yogi’s vision. Razvi’s intervention spotlights the need to safeguard artistic voices and uphold constitutional values against rising orthodoxy.