Lucknow, Feb. 13 -- Uttar Pradesh Panchayati Raj Minister OP Rajbhar on Friday criticised Jamiat Ulama-I-Hind president Arshad Madani for his opposition to the Centre's directive on Vande Mataram, urging him to focus on guiding his community toward better education and political participation, instead of accepting "slavery".

He said that "these people" should stop focusing on defeating the BJP, and that everyone will have to follow the law passed by the Indian government on Vande Mataram.

"Arshad Madani should tell his community to strive for better education, healthcare, employment, and participation in the political process, and not to accept slavery. These people raise their voice...it started with Abdullah Bukhari (who used to give ...