UP Shia Waqf Board chief Waseem Rizvi (ANI)

LUCKNOW: UP Shia Waqf Board chief Waseem Rizvi issued a letter on Saturday making it mandatory to chant “Bharat Mata Ki Jai” after Independence Day celebrations at all waqf properties.

The letter says it will be the responsibility of caretakers and members of managing committees of properties under the Board to ensure that the directives are adhered to.

It reads: “Independence Day celebrations are held annually in every school, college and madrassa, which includes hoisting of the national flag followed by recital of the national anthem. Ensure that after national anthem those present chant ‘Bharat Mata Ki Jai’ as it is slogan of India’s freedom and goes with Independence Day celebrations.” Rizvi said Muslims have no problem when they refer to India as Madre-Watan (motherland). “It makes no sense when people say they will not chant Bharat Mata ki Jai but claim that India is their Madre -Watan,” he said.

