The Rare Commodity of Nationalist Muslim Leadership

Nationalist leadership among Muslims, once prominent during India's freedom struggle, has declined, according to top RSS functionary Dattatreya Hosable. In an exclusive interview with PTI, he highlighted the historical significance of nationalist Muslim leaders and the current lack of support for such figures.

Hosable responded to AIMIM leader Asaduddin Owaisi's comments advocating for independent Muslim political leadership, noting that while every community has the right to its own leadership, political parties should not divide along religious lines. He emphasized the need for consensus on national issues.

Hosable contrasted the past and present political landscapes, touching on the Indian Constitution's allowance for various political formations and stressing that discussing religion should not be stigmatized under false secularism. He cited examples of faith-oriented parties in India, illustrating the ongoing complexity of religion in politics.

(With inputs from agencies.)