Don’t Politicise Triple Talaq: PM Narendra Modi

His comments did not go down well with Opposition leaders.

The AIMPLB’s views on triple talaq reinforce patriarchal structures. (Photo: The Quint)

Narendra Modi, on 29 April, urged the Muslim community to refrain from politicising the issue of triple talaq and hope that intellectuals from within the community would come forward to fight the practice.

Speaking on the occasion of Basava Jayanti in New Delhi, Narendra Modi said there have been heated debates on triple talaq but he hoped the community would come together to rally against such traditions.

Reformers from the Muslim community will come ahead and fight against what Muslim daughters are going through. 

Prime Minister Narendra Modi

Muslims from India will show the way to the Muslims worldwide, PM Modi said, adding that this ability comes from the strength of India’s soil.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi. (Photo: AP)

You come ahead and fight against triple talaq and the impact of it will be massive and coming generations of the community will derive strength from it.

This is the second time that PM Modi has spoken about triple talaq, after the BJP national executive meet in Bhubaneswar. During the meeting, he urged party leaders to bring about social change through dialogue instead of conflict.

The triple talaq matter is currently pending with the Supreme Court. A five-judge constitution bench will rule on the constitutional validity of the practice. The hearing will begin 11 May.

PM Modi’s speech garnered reactions from several quarters.

What is happening in the name of triple talaq is against the Quran, said BJP leader Shazia Ilmi, adding that the practise was unconstitutional and against humanity.

Muslim women are equal citizens of this country and they need not be seen through a political or religious prism

‘BJP has Ruined the Name of Muslims’

Muslim cleric Mohd Sajid Rashidi lashed out at the PM.

The BJP has insulted the Quran, Islam and Muslims. The Prime Minister should respect our religion as well

Mohd Sajid Rashidi, Muslim cleric

Opposition Leaders Condemn Prime Minister’s Statement

Congress leader Mallikarjun Kharge said the Prime Minister was working as per the beliefs of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS).

Basava encouraged people to walk their talk, but here the Prime Minister says one thing and acts as per RSS’ beliefs

Janta Dal Union leader Sharad Yadav said the Prime Minister should concentrate on the various drawbacks of Hinduism first.

People living in glass houses must not throw stones at others. Modi should first fix the issues embedded in Hinduism.

Samajwadi Party leader Azam Khan said the Prime Minister needs to address other pertinent concerns of Muslim women.

PM Modi should empathise with the women who have lost their loved ones to attacks by Gau-rakshaks in the country

Azam Khan, Samajwadi Party leader

(With inputs from ANI)