New Delhi / Patna – Prominent Islamic scholar and senior member of the All India Muslim Personal Law Board, Maulana Khalil-ur-Rahman Sajjad Nomani, has made a bold statement calling for electoral honesty, constitutional accountability, and stronger unity among opposition parties to defeat the rising tide of fascism in India. He shared these views in an exclusive interview with Millat Times Chief Editor Shams Tabrez Qasmi.
Maulana Nomani said that the Election Commission of India (ECI) must act with full integrity, impartiality, and transparency, as per its constitutional mandate. He expressed concern that the ECI is increasingly seen as operating under government pressure, thereby weakening democratic structures.
Speaking specifically about Bihar, he raised serious objections to the deletion of 65 lakh voters’ names during the Special Intensive Revision drive. He said: “Documents were demanded that ordinary people in Bihar — where literacy is still a challenge — simply do not possess. This is a systematic way to deprive a section of the population of their voting rights. It’s undemocratic and shameful.”
Maulana Nomani warned that if the Election Commission fails to act fairly and transparently, then political parties and the people of India should seriously consider boycotting elections as a peaceful and constitutional method of protest. “If institutions don’t protect democracy, the people must,” he said.
Commenting on the upcoming Bihar Assembly elections, Maulana said the state holds strategic importance and that saving Bihar from BJP is more urgent than ever. In response to a question about Nitish Kumar, he said: “There was a time when Nitish Kumar could deliver electoral victories. But today, he is politically and physically too weak. Bihar needs a new generation of leadership and hope.”
He praised the planned joint rally of Rahul Gandhi and Tejashwi Yadav in Bihar, calling it a powerful and much-needed political move. He added that if this alliance had been forged during the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, the INDIA alliance could have seen even better results.
Maulana Sajjad Nomani strongly praised Rahul Gandhi’s recent speech in Parliament, calling it “bold, historic, and full of truth.” He said the way Rahul Gandhi addressed the issues of Constitutional integrity, communal harmony, and democratic backsliding reflects genuine leadership. “Rahul Gandhi today represents the hope of 140 crore Indians. If he continues his courageous fight against fascism, the country will be saved from those who seek to dismantle the Constitution.”
Maulana urged Rahul Gandhi to engage openly with Muslims and meet Muslim leaders without hesitation. He said: “If someone has advised Rahul to keep distance from Muslims for political gain, it’s a dangerous illusion. He should speak to them directly, understand their issues, and lead all Indians — regardless of faith — with the same compassion and fairness.”
Speaking on India’s foreign policy, Maulana Nomani condemned the Modi government’s stance on Palestine, calling it “shameful and diplomatically isolating.” He said India has lost credibility on the global stage, and even neighboring countries are no longer standing by India’s side. He pointed out that once Donald Trump and Narendra Modi were viewed as close allies, but now America is also changing its tone toward India, reflecting deeper diplomatic concerns.
Maulana Nomani concluded the interview with a strong message of solidarity with the people of Gaza and Palestine. He said: “InshaAllah, Palestine will soon achieve a glorious victory. The sacrifices of the people of Gaza will not be in vain.”
