A political storm has erupted after Maulana Sajid Rashidi made an alleged derogatory remark against Samajwadi Party MP Dimple Yadav, prompting an FIR and fierce protests from the NDA in Parliament. As the controversy deepens, Maulana Sajid has defended his statement, while Dimple Yadav and other opposition leaders have criticized the ruling party for what they term "selective outrage."

Maulana Questions FIR, Defends Statement as Religious Belief

Maulana Sajid Rashidi, against whom an FIR was registered in Lucknow, appeared defiant. He asked, “What have I done that warrants an FIR or parliamentary protests? Did I commit a terrorist act, or is it simply because I am a Muslim?”

Defending his comment, he said it was not indecent but rooted in Islamic teachings. “Does Dimple Yadav’s dignity outweigh that of a mosque or temple? The way she was seated inside the mosque was inappropriate according to our customs,” he said, insisting he was speaking for the sanctity of religious spaces.

He also claimed that his full remarks were being selectively edited to spark controversy. “In our culture, if a woman’s headcover slips, people comment on it. That’s the norm—not an insult,” he said, adding that politics was being played over a religious matter.

“Deliberate Political Targeting,” Says Maulana

Calling the outrage “vote-bank politics”, Maulana alleged, “This controversy has been manufactured by people like Maulana Mohibullah Nadvi and Akhilesh Yadav for political gain. I spoke from a religious point of view. If I’m an Islamic scholar, why shouldn’t I express religious views?”

Dimple Yadav Breaks Silence: “Where Was BJP During Manipur?”

Responding to the NDA protests in Parliament, Dimple Yadav questioned the BJP’s priorities. “It would’ve been better if the BJP had protested the horrific Manipur incident, where videos of women being paraded naked went viral. Why didn’t they speak then?” she asked.

Referring to Operation Sindoor, she added, “BJP leaders made shameful remarks about women officers in uniform. Instead of standing with women then, they are now selectively expressing outrage.”

BJP’s Counterattack: “Why is Akhilesh Silent?”

BJP MP Bansuri Swaraj hit back, questioning the Samajwadi Party's silence. “Why hasn’t Akhilesh Yadav spoken up on this serious issue? Is the respect of a woman MP not more important than appeasement politics?” she asked.

SP MP Iqra Hasan Also Demands Action

Iqra Hasan, who was present during the controversial meeting at the mosque, condemned Maulana’s statement. “This is unacceptable. Strict action must be taken against him,” she said.