‘Darul Uloom Deoband a Temple of Education or One of Terrorism,’ Says Union Minister Giriraj Singh

Singh pointed out that both Hafiz Saeed and Baghdadi were from the Islamic seminary.

New Delhi: Union Minister Giriraj Singh sought to draw a contrast between gurukuls and Muslim schools by saying that none studying at former has grown up to be a terrorist. His statement that Darul Uloom Deoband might be a temple of terrorism for all he knew also ruffled many feathers. (Also read: ‘Hindus Losing Patience,’ Says Giriraj on Ram Temple)

“I went to Brahmananda Saraswati’s gurukul, till this date no child from there has become a terrorist. However, I don’t know whether Darul Uloom Deoband is a temple of education or a temple of terrorism. Both Hafiz Saeed and Baghdadi are from here.”

“Earlier, Deoband’s name was Deovrant. I do not know what it is about this place that it produces people similar to Baghdadi (Islamic State founder) and Hafiz Saeed (Mumbai terror attack mastermind). This place is not a seat of learning. It is a hub of terrorism,” the minister said, as quoted by Zee News.

The Bihar politician had gone to Devikund to meet Seer Swami Brhmananand Saraswati at his ashram and made the remarks after visiting a gurukul (Vedic school) in the town.

Singh said the children studying at gurukul never thought of violence and ”served” the humanity instead after graduating from those great institutions.

Singh’s remarks evoked a sharp response from Muslim clerics and Opposition parties. Muslim scholar Matin Khan said that only an ”insane” person could speak in such a way about a leading Islamic seminary.

The leader has been openly rooting for Ram temple in Ayodhya ever since the issue has picked up the pace. Singh said that BJP’s Rajya Sabha Member of Parliament (MP) Rakesh Sinha would bring a private members’ bill for the construction of Ram Temple in Ayodhya.

“The main thing which has to be seen is that whether Congress will come forward to support the bill or any other political outfit. Building a Ram Temple is a wish of crores of Hindu devotees. Let’s see if they support or not,” he added.