As the news of his removal spread students from rooftops and on the streets, cheered in enjoyment as they have been demanding his removal from past seven months.
Muslims who have antipathy with Narendra Modi have also felt relieved after the Shura decision of Vastanvi’s removal from Deoband.
Earlier after a meeting on Sunday, Shura (governing body) decided to remove Vastanvi from the post of rector when Vastanvi, refused to resign from the post.
“I am bidding farewell to Darul Uloom. I told the committee that I will not step down but they can remove me if they deem it fit,” Vastanvi told media.
He alleged that the report submitted before the committee is not complete and refused to accept an incomplete report.
Caretaker vice-chancellor Mufti Abul Qasim Nomani has now been made a permanent rector of the varsity.
Vastanvi sparked controversy in February, 2011 when he said that Muslims had benefited from the development initiative of the Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi and asked Muslims to move on from the riots.. He however later denied to have said this.
Earlier the 2-day meeting of Majlis Shura of Darul Uloom Deoband concluded which was held in the Guest House of Darul Uloom Deoband. As usual, reports of Majlis Talimi Council (Academic Council) and other Departments of Darul Uloom were presented during the meeting. Subsequently after due consideration of the reports, necessary proposals and resolutions were passed.
The Enquiry Committee constituted in the Majlis Shura held on 23 Feb 2011 presented its report. Having discussed the report, Majlis Shura demanded Maulana Ghulam Muhammad Vastanvi to submit his resignation as per the resolution of the 23-Feb Meeting. However, he denied resigning citing that the report is incomplete.
Due to lack of consensus, the head of the meeting proposed to oust Maulana Vastanvi from the post of Mohtamim after his denial to resign, which was passed with majority. Thus, Maulana Ghulam Muhammad Vastanvi was removed from the post of Mohtamim.
Vastanvi controversy:
January 10: Vastanvi elected as Mohtamim, the rector, of Darul Uloom Deoband
– January 19: In an interview he praises Narendra Modi government in Gujarat and says Muslims should move on from the riots.
– February 23: Shura meets in midst of anti-Vastanvi protests. Vastanvi asked to leave, he pleads for an honourable exit. A three member inquiry committee is formed
– July 24: Shura takes up inquiry report, Vastanvi refuses to quit, is sacked.