Muslim cleric from AP calls for assassination of PM Modi and Amit Shah

Moulana Hafeez Abdul Aziz, a Muslim cleric in Nellore, Andhra Pradesh, has ignited controversy with his highly inflammatory remarks aimed at the Union government and leaders of the Bharatiya Janata Party. He made provocative statements, calling for the assassination of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah, all while vehemently opposing the implementation of the Uniform Civil Code.

The incendiary remarks made by Hafeez swiftly gained traction across various online platforms, prompting the swift attention of the Nellore police, who took it upon themselves to initiate legal proceedings in response to this provocative and hate-filled statement.

Taking the stage at the Markaz centre in Nellore town, Moulana Hafeez Abdul Hameed, accompanied by a small group of supporters, delivered a speech teeming with animosity directed towards the BJP government and its leadership, with particular emphasis on Modi and Amit Shah.

Hafeez contends that the ruling BJP employs the Uniform Civil Code as a strategic smokescreen, diverting attention away from more pressing and authentic concerns. Despite the absence of widespread public demand, the BJP has introduced contentious legislation such as the Triple Talaq and Article 370 and is now actively advocating for the implementation of the Uniform Civil Code.

Furthermore, Hafeez accuses the BJP of prioritizing personal gains over the welfare of its citizens. Citing the tragic events in Manipur, he alleged that trains were set ablaze in Odisha by the Central Government authorities to cover up the issue.

Taking aim at specific individuals, Hafeez criticizes finance minister Nirmala Sitharaman for imposing taxes even on deceased individuals, and Minister Smriti Irani for her perceived absence during periods of increasing gas prices and the escalation of other commodities. He asserts that Bangladesh has outpaced India in terms of GDP growth, suggesting that Indians could learn valuable lessons from America’s approach to development.

Expressing his allegiance to the SDPI, a political organization reportedly associated with the banned PFI, Hafeez claims that it is the only party genuinely committed to the welfare of Muslims. He contends that in Andhra Pradesh, both the ruling YSRCP and opposition parties like TDP and Janasena have aligned themselves with the BJP, thereby diminishing their credibility.

Encouraging leaders within the Jamat and Mosque communities, Hafeez implores them to raise awareness against the Uniform Civil Code during mosque gatherings and Friday prayers, emphasizing the obligation of Muslims to protect their own interests, given Allah’s historical disengagement from personal intervention, as evidenced by the wars that took place during his lifetime. “The failure of Jamat and Mosque to oppose the Uniform Civil Code (UCC) would amount to a grave betrayal of the Muslim community”, he added. Moulana also suggested the Mosque and Jamaat should take an anti-UCC signature drive among Muslims.

A Suo moto case has been registered against him by the Nellore Police under sections 153a, 295-A, 504, 505(3) of IPC.