‘Not just Triple Talaq, PM Modi should speak about Muslim women losing husbands to Gau Rakshaks’

New Delhi, April 29 (PTI/ANI): Hours after Prime Minister Narendra Modi appealed to the Muslim community to find a proper solution for triple talaq, the Samajwadi Party leader Azam Khan criticised the former saying that he should also speak up on other issues which are being faced by the Muslim women.
‘Prime Minister Modi should also focus on other problems of Muslim women. Muslim women are losing their husbands and son due to violence by Gau Rakshaks,’ Samajwadi Party leader told ANI.
Earlier, Congress dubbed Prime Minister’s assertion as insignificant adding that he made the statement eyeing upcoming elections in Karnataka.
‘Prime Minister Modi made the statement eyeing upcoming elections in Karnataka. He has been doing this and will also continue to do in future. He is following the ideology of RSS. His speech does not hold any significance,’ Congress leader Mallikarjun Kharge told ANI.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi urged Muslims not to view the triple talaq issue from a political perspective and expressed the confidence that efforts to end the practice would be led by “enlightened” members of the community.
At a function to mark the Basava Jayanti celebrations in honour of Kannada philosopher Basaveswara, Modi referred to the 12th century reformer’s movement against regressive practices to speak about triple talaq.
Modi said he hoped that “powerful people” would emerge from society and help “eradicate outdated practices and evolve modern systems”.
He called upon Indian Muslims to lead not just those from the community in the country, but to show the “path of modernity” to Muslims worldwide.
“That is the kind of power and energy this land gives to all of us,” he said to thunderous applause.
The prime minister spoke about women’s empowerment, equality and good governance, as preached and practised by Basaveswara.
Referring to triple talaq, Modi said, “I am sure enlightened people will also emerge from among Muslims and come forward to end this practice, liberating our Muslim daughters and mothers from the scourge. I am sure enlightened Muslims will take this responsibility upon themselves.” Modi also released a digital volume of Basaveswara’s works titled “Vachan” in 23 languages. The works comprise 2500 sermons delivered by the philosopher.