Maharashtra Ports Development Minister Nitesh Rane, on Wednesday, said he would request Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis to shut down madrasas in the state, as, according to him, the Islamic schools are "breeding grounds for terrorists."
The minister, while talking to reporters, cited a viral video purportedly showing a Muslim clergy member beating a student.
"You have seen the maulavi's video of beating children. It is from Sawantwadi, my home district, and I am also the district guardian minister. You will also come to know about what strict action he is going to face soon," he said.
"I will give them such lessons that their hands will shiver next time before doing something like this to children," he said.
He sought to know why madrasas are needed in the state and said, "That is the basic point. These madrasas are epicentres of terrorism. They shape terrorists there."
Rane said he wanted to know whether any Islamic country allows schools for Hindus where only the Bhagavad Gita is taught.
"Why should we pamper such madrasas? If you want to teach the Quran, you have mosques for it. Sometimes weapons are found in these madrasas, and sometimes incidents like the beating up of children," he said, reported news agency PTI.
The minister said he will speak with CM Fadnavis and tell him to take steps to shut down all the madrasas, as these are breeding grounds for terrorists.
Reacting to the statement, Samajwadi Party leader Abu Azmi claimed that no terrorist activity happens in madrasas in India.
"If they want, they can install CCTV in the madrasas, they will give you a room and food, and you can stay there and check. I can say with certainty that you will not find any such activity."
