AIMPLB Vice President Kalbe Sadiq Bats for ‘Vidyamandir’ Instead of Ram Mandir in Ayodhya

Lucknow: Senior Shia cleric and Vice President of All India Muslim Personal Law Board (AIMPLB), Maulana Syed Kalbe Sadiq has said that in his opinion a Vidyamandir should be constructed in Ayodhya. Speaking on the issue of Ram Mandir, Kalbe Sadiq said, “mandir zarur bane,” but was quick to change his statement into a diplomatic one and stated, “Mandir Na Bane, Vidyamandir Bane.” However, he denied commenting on the issue of AIMPLB member Salman Nadvi suggesting to shift Babri site after a meeting with Art of Living founder Sri Sri Ravi Shankar.

Speaking to News18 in Barabanki on Saturday, Sadiq said, “In my opinion, a Vidyamandir should be constructed in Ayodhya. The Ram Mandir issue should have resolved by now, it will only be resolved when people want to resolve it.” Sadiq was speaking at a function in Barabanki on Saturday at a function organised by a private institution.

However, Kalbe Sadiq, who is also a renowned Shia cleric, said that Muslims must learn from Christians. “Where ever there is a Church you will also find an educational institution. How many Mosques have you seen where there is school? By school, I mean modern education. Today both religious and modern education is the need of the hour. Muslims should ensure that they build a modern education institution along with mosques, I am sure then Hindus will also support Muslims.”

“All my Hindu brothers have always supported me and showered me with love, unlike Muslims because of whom I have often faced problems,” said Sadiq.

Salman Nadvi was expelled from the All India Muslim Personal Law Board on Sunday. The AIMPLB member had said that there should be an out of court settlement in the Ayodhya Ram Janambhoomi-Babri Masjid case. A disciplinary committee was formed by the board to look into the matter. With the rift out in the open, the board had earlier hinted that Nadvi would be removed from the board.