Archive · 10 Aug 2026
Congress MP Imran Masood Denounces Maulana Rashidi Over Kanwariya Remarks
A religious leader named Maulana Sajid Rashidi said mean things about people called Kanwariyas, who are walking on a holy trip to worship Lord Shiva.
He said some of these people drink alcohol and cause trouble, and he even called some of them 'terrorists.'
Many people got upset by these words.
A Congress leader named Imran Masood spoke out against him in public.
Masood said Rashidi should not be called 'Maulana,' which is a title of respect for a Muslim teacher or leader.
Masood believes Rashidi says such things to get money from TV channels and spread hatred.
Because of the hurtful remarks, police registered a case against Rashidi.
Meanwhile, Masood welcomed the Kanwariyas in his city of Saharanpur by showering flowers and giving them sweets.
He said Saharanpur has a tradition of celebrating every festival together.
All this happened during the holy month of Shravan, when devotees honor Lord Shiva.
Congress MP Imran Masood said Maulana Sajid Rashidi 'cannot be called a Maulana' over his remarks on Kanwariyas.
Rashidi, president of the All India Imam Association, described some Kanwar Yatra participants as 'terrorists' in remarks to IANS.
Rashidi alleged pilgrims consume intoxicants, assault police, smash school van windows, and stop ambulances.
A case was registered against Rashidi at the Civil Lines police station in Muzaffarnagar for objectionable remarks.
Masood accused Rashidi of being a 'middleman' paid by TV channels to spread hatred, and welcomed Kanwariyas at a Kanwar Seva Camp in Saharanpur.
- Who
- Congress MP Imran Masood and All India Imam Association President Maulana Sajid Rashidi
- What
- Masood criticized Rashidi's controversial remarks about Kanwariyas, and a police case was registered against Rashidi
- When
- During the holy month of Shravan, when the Kanwar Yatra is observed (exact date not stated)
- Where
- Saharanpur, where Masood spoke and welcomed Kanwariyas; Muzaffarnagar, where the case was registered
- Why
- Rashidi's remarks describing some Kanwar Yatra participants as 'terrorists' triggered widespread outrage
Critics of Rashidi
Rashidi's Position
Conduct of Kanwariyas
Critics of Rashidi
Kanwariyas are genuine devotees of Lord Shiva, and the controversy unfairly tarnishes their religious pilgrimage; welcoming them is part of Saharanpur's tradition of communal harmony.
Rashidi's Position
Some participants consume alcohol and intoxicants, assault police personnel, smash school van windows, and stop ambulances, so they cannot be called true devotees - they are 'terrorists.'
Motive Behind the Remarks
Critics of Rashidi
Rashidi is a 'middleman' who takes money from television channels and spreads 'the agenda of hatred,' and has nothing to do with Islam.
Rashidi's Position
Rashidi's remarks pointed to specific incidents of public disturbance, intoxication, and assaults rather than condemning the entire pilgrimage.
- Congress MP
- Imran Masood
- Criticized cleric
- Maulana Sajid Rashidi, President, All India Imam Association
- Rashidi's remark
- Called some Kanwar Yatra participants 'terrorists' in an interview with IANS
- Police case
- Registered at Civil Lines police station, Muzaffarnagar
- Context
- Holy month of Shravan; Kanwar Yatra for Lord Shiva
- Masood's accusation
- Rashidi acts as a 'middleman' paid by television channels to spread hatred
- Masood's response
- Welcomed Kanwariyas at a Kanwar Seva Camp in Saharanpur with flowers and 'prasad'