‘I won’t set foot in India until BJP is wiped out’: Hate preacher Zakir Naik backs CJP anarchists, wants Congress in power

Fugitive Islamist preacher Zakir Naik has said that he will return to India only after the BJP leaves power at the Centre. In an undercover sting operation by Republic Bharat, the hate preacher Zakir Naik openly voiced his desire to see a regime change in India. Naik, who is wanted by Indian law enforcement agencies over severe allegations of money laundering, terror funding, and provocative speeches, clearly stated that he will set foot in India only after the ruling BJP government leaves power at the Centre.

The undercover recordings revealed Naik admitting that he fears returning to the country while the Narendra Modi government is at the helm, as he believes he might be detained or barred from travelling abroad again. Showing his open backing for political instability, Naik expressed support for anarchists associated with the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP), who have been attempting to trigger widespread public disruption and demand a regime change similar to the recent turmoil in Bangladesh and Nepal.

Secret tapes capture Naik’s political preference, wants Congress in power

During the sting operation, the terror preacher explicitly shared his hopes for a change in India’s political climate. In the undercover recording, Naik went on to say, “Rahul is better!”

When questioned on whether the Congress party could regain power independently, Naik responded that while an absolute majority for Congress might not happen, “Congress must seize power in a coalition!” He added that such a political shift would create a safer environment for his return, declaring, “I won’t set foot in India until the BJP is wiped out!”

Throughout the undercover interaction, Naik continued his angry tirade against the current administration and openly cheered the political pressure being mounted on the Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) to step down. His statements underscore a preference for a coalition government led by Rahul Gandhi, highlighting a stark contrast between the Modi administration’s zero-tolerance policy on national security and extremism and the political alternatives Naik hopes to see.

Previous controversies and legal cases

Zakir Naik has been living in exile in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, since fleeing India in 2016. Before his departure, he headed the Mumbai-based Islamic Research Foundation (IRF). On 17th November, 2016, the Indian government declared the IRF an unlawful organisation under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA), prompting police to shut down its headquarters in Dongri, Mumbai. India subsequently took his broadcast channel, Peace TV, off the air for spreading hate propaganda.

Even in Malaysia, where he was granted permanent residency by former Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad, Naik’s controversial actions have sparked severe backlash. In 2019, Malaysian authorities interrogated him for hours and banned him from delivering public speeches after he made offensive, racist remarks against Hindu and Chinese Malaysians. Moreover, reports have linked him to inciting violence in Leicester, UK, proving that the fugitive preacher continues to promote radicalisation and political chaos from abroad.

Written by OpIndia Staff
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