Daijiworld Media Network

Deoband, Jul 24: Maulana Ghulam Mohammed Vastanvi has been ousted from the post of the vice-chacellor of Darul Uloom, a few months after his controversial remarks in praise of Gujarat chief minister Narendra Modi created a storm.

The decision, which was announced here on Sunday July 24, came after a meeting of the Majlis-e-Shura.

"The Vice-Chancellor of Darul Uloom Deoband (Vastanvi) has been removed from his post," said Mufti Abul Qasim Nomani, who will now be Vastanvi's replacement. Nomani had been earlier appointed as acting vice-chancellor of the institution.

Nine members had voted against Vastanvi, while four were in his favour, Nomani informed.

Back in February, a month after his appointment as the head of the Deoband seminary, Vastanvi had made favourable remarks about Narendra Modi and asked Muslims to forget the Godhra riots. His remarks did not go down well with the community and seminary council and demands for his ouster came from all corners.

A three-member inquiry committe was formed which submitted its report to the Majlis-e-Shura whose members voted during a council meeting on Sunday.