Saharanpur, August 10, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
Congress MP Imran Masood has criticised All India Imam Association president Maulana Sajid Rashidi over his controversial remarks against Kanwariyas, saying Rashidi should not be referred to as a ‘Maulana’ and accusing him of making inflammatory statements for monetary gains.
Rashidi’s comments, in which he referred to some Kanwar Yatra participants as “terrorists”, have triggered widespread criticism amid the ongoing Shravan month, when devotees undertake the annual pilgrimage dedicated to Lord Shiva.
Rashidi had alleged that some people participating in the Kanwar Yatra consume alcohol and other intoxicants before creating disturbances in public places. He cited alleged incidents involving violence against police personnel, damage to a school van and disruption of an ambulance as examples.
“Those who engage in such acts are not Shiv Bhakts; they are terrorists,” Rashidi had said.
A case has been registered against Rashidi at the Civil Lines police station in Muzaffarnagar over his remarks concerning Kanwariyas.
Reacting to the controversy, Masood told IANS, “He is not a Maulana. Let me make that clear first — he cannot be called a Maulana.”
The Congress MP further accused Rashidi of engaging in what he described as “dalaali” (middleman activity) and alleged that he appears on television channels for monetary benefits.
“He has nothing to do with Islam. He tries to spread the agenda of hatred,” Masood alleged.
Masood also sought to highlight Saharanpur’s tradition of communal harmony, saying people from different communities participate in each other’s festivals.
He welcomed Kanwariyas at a Kanwar Seva Camp by showering flowers and distributing prasad among devotees.
“This is the culture of Saharanpur, and it is part of our tradition that we celebrate all festivals together,” Masood said.
He added that several Kanwar camps had been established across Saharanpur this year as part of the annual tradition and said people from the local community participate in organising and supporting them.
Masood’s remarks came as Rashidi’s comments continued to draw criticism from different quarters, with the controversy highlighting contrasting views over the conduct of Kanwar Yatra pilgrims and the need to maintain communal harmony during the religious season.
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