And yet, for the Ulama Council, these problems do not exist. For if theydid, wouldn't they have found mention in at least one of the many speeches given during therally? While some speakers went on ranting about police excesses, others thought it was a good opportunity to let the Muslims know how important they are. Shamelessly, one speaker, incidentally a lawyer in Delhi, 'reminded' the participants that Muslims had brought civilization and culture to this country! Not even a single speaker thought itfit to raise issues which concern the existential needs of Muslims.
What was perhaps more troubling was the near unanimity amongst the speakers that its time that the Ulama took the leadership of the community into theirown hands. Speakers from various political parties articulated this agenda whichwas greeted with wide applause from the audience, consisting mostly of madrasa students and teachers. It is troubling because with their outmoded attitude over a lot of social issues, Ulama-led Muslims will regress further.