Nagpur, Nov. 23 -- Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Sunday dismissed the remarks made by Jamiat Ulema-e-Hind President Maulana Arshad Madani, and said that people like former President Abdul Kalam should be presented as an "icon" for the Muslims community.

"India had a President like Abdul Kalam, who is a true icon for the Muslim community. We bow our heads in respect to him. He always lived his life with his head held high; he should be presented as a role model," Fadnavis told reporters here.

Earlier in the day, BJP leader Syed Shahnawaz Hussain described Madani's remarks as "irresponsible" and said they were particularly unexpected from an organisation with a historic legacy.

"Jamiat Ulama-i-Hind was part of India's i...