Telangana BJP leader and social activist Madhavi Latha has called for English to be taught in madrasas and for students to be required to sing “Vande Mataram” and “Jana Gana Mana”. Speaking to IANS on Thursday, August 6, Latha said such measures were necessary to promote patriotism among madrasa students.
Backs ‘Terrorist Factories’ Remark
Latha also backed Uttar Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Keshav Prasad Maurya’s reported description of madrasas as “terrorist factories”.
She claimed that society has not properly understood what the Quran teaches or how Islam influences children studying in madrasas. She alleged that students are exposed to ideas of hatred and jihad and claimed that some are being prepared to oppose the nation.
Latha said that a child studying in a madrasa could be taught to view a Hindu child living nearby as an enemy rather than as a brother.
Calls for English Education
The former BJP candidate from Hyderabad said madrasa students often lack adequate English education and therefore face difficulties competing in the wider world and earning a livelihood.
“Is injustice not being done to them? What will be the thought process of such a child?” she asked, arguing that English education would help madrasa students engage with the wider world.
‘Vande Mataram’ and National Anthem in Madrasas
Latha further called for patriotism to be promoted among madrasa students through national songs and slogans.
“These children will have to be introduced to the world. The young children of these madrasas will have to awaken patriotism,” she said, adding that “Vande Mataram” and “Jana Gana Mana” should be sung in madrasas.
She also suggested that students be taught to chant “Jai Bolo Bharat Mata”.
Questions Maulana Sajid Rashidi Over Kanwariyas
Responding to remarks by Maulana Sajid Rashidi concerning Kanwariyas, Latha questioned why some people were allegedly monitoring pilgrims travelling along the roads.
She then directed a question at Rashidi, asking, “Who were the terrorists who ate chicken and threw the bones into the Ganga?”
