Tauqeer Raza Khan: Religious Leader
Tauqeer Raza Khan is an Indian Islamic scholar and politician, known as the founder of the Ittehad-e-Millat Council, a political party based in Uttar Pradesh, and a prominent figure among Barelvi Sunni Muslims. He is a great-grandson of Ahmad Raza Khan, the founder of the Barelvi movement. Khan has served as the head of the All India Muslim Personal Law Board (Jadeed), which he established to address perceived discrimination by the Deobandi faction of the board. His political career began in 2001, and he has garnered support from various parties throughout his political journey, including the Indian National Congress and the Samajwadi Party, often calling for communal solidarity among Muslims.
Khan's career has not been without controversy. In 2016, he sought unity with Deobandi scholars but faced backlash from Barelvi clerics, resulting in an apology after a religious ruling deemed his actions sinful. He has also been accused of inciting hatred against Hindus. His political activism often aligns with religious undertones, as seen in his calls for Muslims to vote based on their faith. He has made headlines for several incidents, including issuing a reward for the head of Bangladeshi author Taslima Nasrin and being arrested during riots in Bareilly in 2010.
On a more contemporary note, in 2024, he condemned government actions during the Haldwani violence, urging self-defense for his community and criticizing the ruling authorities. Khan's rhetoric has repeatedly sparked polarization along religious lines, reflecting the complexity of religious and political interactions in India today. His controversial statements and actions highlight the intertwining of communal identity and politics in his advocacy for the Muslim community in India.
