AIMIM’s Safee Baig Slams Silence of Religious and Political Leaders Over Hate Speech, Calls for Accountability Ahead of Elections

Press Conference Highlights Concerns Over Shaheen Institutions and Interfaith Marriage Remarks

Bidar, August 22 — AIMIM Bidar leader Safee Baig sharply criticized the silence of community organizations, religious leaders, and political figures over inflammatory remarks made by BJP MLA Basavaraj Patil Yatnal, while also addressing recent controversies surrounding the Shaheen Group of Institutions.

Speaking at a press conference, Baig accused prominent leaders and institutions of selectively raising their voices on certain issues while conveniently ignoring attacks on the Muslim community. He questioned the moral authority of those who remain silent in the face of divisive politics.

Silence Over Hate Speech Condemned

Referring to Yatnal’s recent statement offering a ₹5 lakh incentive to Hindu men marrying Muslim women, Baig said such rhetoric is “deeply dangerous and unacceptable.” He demanded a firm and united response from both political and religious leaders, lamenting that the lack of condemnation emboldens hate speech.

“It is shocking that when a legislator openly degrades Muslim women and promotes communal hatred, our religious leaders and community organizations choose silence,” Baig said. “What message are we sending by ignoring such a blatant attack on our dignity and safety?”

Criticism of Religious Leaders

Baig specifically named senior clerics, including PM Muzammil, Shakirulla Rashadi, and Maqsood Imran Rashadi, questioning their reluctance to speak on the issue. “At a time when the community looks to them for guidance, their silence is not just disappointing but damaging,” he remarked.

He further criticized delegations of community leaders who met with political figures but failed to raise concerns about Yatnal’s remarks. “What is the purpose of these meetings if our most urgent issues are not even mentioned?” Baig asked.

Shaheen Institutions Controversy

Addressing concerns around the Shaheen Group of Institutions, Baig clarified that it was not about choosing sides between individuals or organizations, but about consistency in response. “It is the right of any organization to support Dr. Abdul Qadeer or the Shaheen institutions. But why is the same energy not shown when our community faces direct insults from politicians?” he questioned.

Baig suggested that selective activism weakens the credibility of organizations like, Raabta e Millat, MFR, Rifah, etc. and exposes political motives, especially in the run-up to elections.

“Safee Baig Praises Kalaburagi Woman MLA for Courage, Slams Silent Muslim Legislators on Yatnal’s Hate Speech”

Safee Baig also praised the MLA from Kalaburagi, noting that she, along with her son, had the courage to meet the Chief Minister and the Assembly Speaker to demand action against Basavaraj Patil Yatnal for his derogatory and anti-Muslim remarks. He emphasized that it was remarkable that the only woman legislator in the region stood up with conviction, while more than a dozen Muslim MLAs — who should have been at the forefront of defending community dignity — have chosen pin-drop silence on such a critical issue.

Baig remarked, “It is deeply disappointing that when one woman MLA could take a principled stand, our so-called representatives remain mute spectators. Their silence not only betrays the trust of the people but also strengthens those who spread hate.”

Warning Ahead of Elections

With elections on the horizon, Baig warned that silence and selective responses would carry consequences. “If leaders and organizations continue to remain quiet on fundamental issues, people will remember this betrayal when it matters the most,” he said.

He urged citizens to hold representatives accountable and not allow hate-mongering to dictate political discourse. “We cannot afford to be passive when our dignity, rights, and future generations are at stake,” Baig concluded.

Background: Yatnal’s Controversial Remarks

In August 2025, BJP MLA Basavaraj Patil Yatnal announced a scheme promising ₹5 lakh to any Hindu man marrying a Muslim woman, calling it a way to counter so-called “Love Jihad.” He argued such marriages posed a threat to Hindus, a claim widely criticized by activists and constitutional experts as unconstitutional and inflammatory.

Key Quotes of Safee Baig

• “When a legislator openly degrades Muslim women and promotes communal hatred, our religious leaders and community organizations choose silence. This silence is dangerous.”

• “What message are we sending by ignoring such a blatant attack on our dignity and safety?”

• “It is the right of any organization to support Shaheen Institutions. But why is the same energy missing when politicians insult our community?”

• “At a time when the community looks to them for guidance, the silence of our senior clerics is not just disappointing, it is damaging.”

• “If leaders and organizations continue to remain quiet on fundamental issues, people will remember this betrayal when it matters the most—during elections.”