Muslim leaders across India are expressing admiration for Home Minister Amit Shah following a recent meeting between him and representatives of the Muslim community. Many noted a stark contrast between the minister’s previous rhetoric and his approach during the meeting.
“This was a different Amit Shah than the one we’ve seen in the past,” said Mohammed Shafi, a leader of the All India Muslim Personal Law Board. “He was respectful, he listened to our concerns, and he promised to take action to address them.”
Other leaders praised the minister’s willingness to engage in dialogue and his efforts to build bridges between different communities. “We had a very productive meeting with Amit Shah,” said Abdul Mannan, a member of the Jamiat Ulama-i-Hind. “He showed a genuine interest in hearing our perspectives and finding common ground.”
The meeting, which took place in New Delhi, was attended by representatives from a range of Muslim organizations, including the All India Muslim Personal Law Board, the Jamiat Ulama-i-Hind, and the All India Milli Council. The group discussed a range of issues affecting the Muslim community, including discrimination, hate speech, and the ongoing controversy over the Citizenship Amendment Act.
During the meeting, Shah acknowledged the concerns of the Muslim community and pledged to work towards finding solutions. “I understand that there have been instances where members of the Muslim community have felt marginalized or discriminated against,” he said. “We need to work together to address these issues and ensure that every citizen of this country feels safe and respected.”
The minister’s conciliatory tone marks a significant departure from his previous rhetoric, which has often been criticized as divisive and inflammatory. In the past, Shah has been accused of stoking communal tensions through his speeches and actions.
However, leaders who attended the meeting say they are hopeful that the minister’s new approach will lead to positive change. “We appreciate the Home Minister’s willingness to engage in dialogue and his commitment to working towards a more inclusive and equitable society,” said Zafarul-Islam Khan, president of the All India Muslim Majlis-e-Mushawarat.
