After leading Sunni Islamic Seminary Darul Uloom Deoband shuts its door for the political parties and journalist till 11 March until the polls are on, another popular seminary of the State, Darul Uloom Nadwatul Ulama in lucknow has become a destination for political parties to seek blessings.
The seminary which is popularly known as ‘Nadwa’ has importance among Sunni Muslims after Deoband and an appeal from the seminary could prove a game-changer. From last two months, a number of visits by the political leaders have been witnessed in the seminary. Many clerics and Muslim organisations have extended support to different parties.
As the Vidhan Sabha election is shifting towards second and third phase which has nearly ten minority concentrated districts, the leaders are trying to connect with the rector of Nadwa Maulana Rabe Hasani Nadwi to garner Muslim support. Nadwi is also president of All India Muslim Personal law Board, which is followed by Muslims at large.
Around a month back, when Congress vice-president Rahul Gandhi came for his roadshow in lucknow, he went to meet the rector and sought his blessings for the elections. Apart from Rahul, there were many other political leaders who met the cleric. They had discussion and requested the cleric to pray for their victory. As per insiders, the prominent workers of different parties are meeting the cleric from time to time to discuss the political situation with him but the senior cleric has not made any appeal in anyone’s favour so far.
“Yes! The leaders of different political parties come here to meet the rector and on personal note they discuss political scenario. But being an Islamic education institution no appeals in favour of any political parties will be made,” a senior cleric from Nadwa told The Pioneer.
Salmaan Nadwi a prominent cleric from Nadwa, who had been in the limelight for his contacts in the political corridors of the State, announced support for BSP a couple of weeks back and appealed Muslims to support. “It was my personal appeal and has nothing to do with Nadwa,” said Salman.
On the other side, since 2014 lok Sabha Elections, the Darul Uloom Deoband Seminary’s rector, Mufti Maulana Abul Qasim Nomani has placed a ban on entry of political leaders and the media on its premises during election period.
“It has been directed to everyone in the seminary that all the people on responsible posts will not be meeting with any representatives of the political parties and make appeal in their favour. The entry of political leaders and the media will remain closed till March 11,” said sources in the seminary.