Vastanvi Resigned from Post of Rector of Darul Uloom

After being severely criticised for making remarks praising the Narendra Modi government, Maulana Ghulam Mohammad Vastanvi, Mohtamim or rector, of Darul Uloom, Deoband resigned on 25 january 2011. The Surat based cleric was appointed only on 10 January 2011. Vastanvi was elected by the Majlis-e-Shura (Advisory Committee) of Deoband where he defeated prominent cleric Maulana Arshad Madani. The Maulana Ghulam an MBA, was appointed rector following the death of his predecessor Maulana Marghoobur Rahman. He entered into a controversy immediately after his appointment following his controversial remark that Muslims too benefitted from the development initiative of the Gujarat Chief Minister.

Vastanvi was condemned for his pro- Narendra Modi remarks which he later disowned from several quarters of the Muslim community across the country. He claimed that he was misquoted. A meeting of the Majlis-e-Shoora (supreme governing council) of Darul Uloom scheduled on 15 February 2011 will decide on the resignation. Untill a decision is taken on the matter the Maulana will continue as Mohtamim.

Vastanvi was the first rector who had not studied at Deoband and possessed an MBA degree besides traditional higher madrasa education.