Union Minister and BJP leader Bandi Sanjay Kumar ignited controversy on Wednesday by accusing madrasas of promoting terrorism and posing a serious threat to national security. His remarks were made during the inauguration of a new girls’ hostel block at Sri Vidyaranya Avasa Vidyalayam in Telangana’s Karimnagar district.

Kumar claimed that madrasas allegedly train students in making AK-47 rifles using broomsticks. He criticized the state government for funding such institutions, asserting that the money is being used to foster extremism.

In his speech, the Union Minister stated, “In places like Hyderabad, Siddipet, and Karimnagar, some madrasas are reported to offer small amounts of money, from Rs 10 to 100, to their students. But what goes on inside these madrasas? Many of the world’s wrongdoers, the so-called ‘bad guys,’ often point to their madrasa education when asked about their radicalization. Whether it’s bombings in America, Mumbai, or London, there’s frequently a connection to teachings from these institutions.” He continued, “Yet the government does not confront this issue; instead, it allocates funds to these madrasas, claiming to promote new technologies and educational programs.”

Earlier in July, a dispute arose in Uttar Pradesh when an opposition leader criticized the government for not recognizing meritorious students in madrasas as it does for top students in Sanskrit and state board schools. In response to opposition demands, BJP leader Mohsin Raza stated that no awards are given for “progress in religious education,” adding, “If such an award is to be given, then go to Saudi Arabia and get the award from there.”