Zafar Sareshwala
Zafar Sareshwala | |
|---|---|
 Zafar Sareshwala | |
| Born | Zafar Yunus Sareshwala December 9, 1962 India |
| Nationality | Indian |
| Occupation | Businessman |
| Known for | Chancellor of Maulana Azad National Urdu University, supporter of Narendra Modi |
| Spouse | Asiya Zafar Sareshwala |
| Children | 3 |
| Parents |
|
Zafar Yunus Sareshwala (born 9 December 1962) is an Indian businessman, owner of Parsoli Corporation,[1] and former chancellor of Maulana Azad National Urdu University.[2] A member of the Tablighi Jamaat,[1][3] Sareshwala has gained considerable public attention for being a close supporter and confidant of Narendra Modi, the current Prime Minister of India.[1]
Biography
[edit]Sareshwala is a mechanical engineer by training and considered an expert in Islamic banking and finance. In 2001, he organised protests in Delhi against the burning of copies of the Qur'an by Hindu extremists.[2] His family businesses suffered significant losses during the 2002 Gujarat riots, after which he and a group of Indian expatriates explored legal action against Modi in the International Court of Justice.[1] However, Sareshwala later reconciled with Modi, meeting him in London in 2003 and developing close political and business ties thereafter.[4]
He later claimed that engaging with Modi and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) would benefit Indian Muslims politically, citing several outcomes through his relationship with Modi. However, his position drew criticism from human rights groups and Muslim activists, with some accusing him of opportunism.[2]
Controversies
[edit]In 2010, Sareshwala and other directors of Parsoli Corporation were barred from participating in India’s capital markets by the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI), due to findings of share fraud and unauthorized transfer of shareholder assets.[5] In July 2013, Parsoli’s broker registration was cancelled for additional violations.[6]
Chancellorship
[edit]In 2015, Sareshwala was appointed as the Chancellor of Maulana Azad National Urdu University (MANUU), a move that was widely interpreted as a political reward by critics. Various Muslim organisations and university affiliates voiced concerns over his lack of academic background and previous fraud allegations.[6] His tenure ended in May 2018.[7]
Personal life
[edit]Zafar Sareshwala has three children.[1]
References
[edit]- ^ a b c d e Wajihuddin, Mohammed (24 November 2013). "Zafar Sareshwala: The Muslim who bats for Modi". The Times of India. Retrieved 4 November 2016.
- ^ a b c Ghazali Khan, M (3 February 2015). "Zafar Sareshwala, then and now". The Milli Gazette. Retrieved 4 November 2016.
- ^ Fareed, Mohd Faisal (18 April 2015). "Muslims have drifted from faith: Modi aide Sareshwala". The Indian Express. Retrieved 11 February 2019.
- ^ Bhatia, Shyam (17 August 2003). "Two Muslim leaders welcome Modi's UK visit". rediff.com. Retrieved 4 November 2016.
- ^ "Before the adjudicating officer securities and exchange board of India [Adjudication Order No.-SRP/RK/AO: 176/2011]" (PDF).
- ^ a b Sharma, Deepak (24 April 2015). "BMW charged of share fraud appointed Chancellor, Muslim Board agitated over Ms Irani's choice". India Samvad. Retrieved 26 December 2017.[dead link]
- ^ "MANUU gets new Chancellor". The Hindu. 17 May 2018. ISSN 0971-751X. Retrieved 14 June 2021.