MUMBAI: In his crusade against the burqa, French President Nicolas Sarkozy has earned support from the mostly unlikely quarters: Bal Thackeray.
The Sena supremo has come out openly in support of Sarkozy's move to clamp a ban on the burqa.
In a leader comment in Saamna on Monday, Thackeray complimented Sarkozy for his "bold and courageous decision''. "It is heartening to note that Sarkozy has upheld his nation's interests. He did not fall prey to the vote-bank politics,'' said Saamna.
Describing Sarkozy as `tagdaa manoos' (strong man), Saamna said the French president showed no consideration to the regressive Muslim clergy in his country. "He told the Muslim leaders in no uncertain terms that they will have to fully and completely adhere to the laws of France.
India's woes will end if we get someone like Sarkozy as our head.''
Taking a dig at the Muslim clergy, Saamna said, "Indian Muslim leaders will say their religion is in danger even if Ajmal Kasab is sent to the gallows.''
Referring to Sarkozy's love affair with a model, Saamna said Indian leaders may love to emulate the French president's peccadilloes, but not his political sagacity. The Sena daily called Sarkozy young, handsome and `kadak'.
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/Mumbai/Sena-chief-praises-Sarkozy-for-burqa-ban/articleshow/4717793.cmsLUCKNOW: The Islamic seminary of Dar-ul-Uloom Deoband is contemplating
a fatwa against buying goods made in France to protest the anti-burqa
comments of French president Nicolas Sarkozy.Mufti Maulana Arshad Faruqui of Dar-ul-Ufba, the fatwa department of the seminary, said it would also call for a boycott of Sarkozy. "If necessary, an edict may be issued to all followers ordering them to shun French merchandise," Maulana Faruqui said.
He said the comment was "one of the most shameful chapters of the mankind". By labelling burqa, 'naqab' or 'purdah' as a symbol of female subjugation, the French president has "violated" the law of his own country, which guarantees its citizens the right to practice their religion unhindered, he added.
"The utterances are an evil ploy aimed at bringing disrepute to France." Faruqui said the statement delivered in the French parliament reeks of a "conspiracy against Christianity too" as even Virgin Mary has always been painted or sculpted with her head covered.
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/Deoband-mulls-fatwa-against-French-goods/articleshow/4699142.cms