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New Delhi, November 10, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)

All India Imam Association President Maulana Mohd Sajid Rashidi on Tuesday criticized Congress leader Imran Masood over his reported remark describing Diwali as a disease, calling it an attack on the faith and devotion of those who celebrate the festival. He demanded an apology from the Congress leader.

Speaking to IANS, Rashidi said, “Imran Masood calling Diwali a disease is an attack on the faith and devotion of the Sanatanis who celebrate the festival.”

He also argued that insulting another person's religious beliefs was contrary to the teachings of the Quran. “Attacking anyone's faith is also denied in the Quran. The Quran has clearly said that anyone who believes in God cannot be insulted. When you celebrate Holi and Diwali at your home, how can you call it a disease?” he asked.

Describing Masood's reported remarks as surprising, Rashidi said, “His comments are very surprising, and I feel he should apologize for his statements.”

Rashidi also commented on the political debate surrounding Congress Parliamentary Party Chairperson Sonia Gandhi's memoir, Belonging: A Journey of Love. He referred to earlier statements by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat on the place of Muslims in India, recalling Modi's remarks about a computer in one hand and the Quran in the other, and Bhagwat's assertion that Muslims were an integral part of the country.

Rashidi questioned attempts to portray the two leaders as fundamentalists, alleging that contradictory claims could create mistrust and deepen social divisions. He also claimed that such issues were being raised again ahead of elections to influence Muslim voters.

Criticizing the Congress's political record, Rashidi said the party had governed India for decades but was now revisiting past events after losing power. He also alleged that Hindu-Muslim conflicts had been frequent during Congress rule and claimed that such incidents had comparatively declined in recent years, particularly in Gujarat.