Fugitive Islamic preacher Zakir Naik has said he plans to return to India only after the BJP leaves power, while expressing a preference for the Congress over the Narendra Modi government, according to a sting operation by Republic TV.
In the video, filmed inside Naik’s apartment in Putrajaya, Kuala Lumpur, the preacher was asked when he planned to return to India.
“After BJP goes,” he replied.
When the reporter asked whether he meant before or after the next elections, Naik indicated that he hoped the government would change before the 2029 elections.
Naik fled India in 2016 amid investigations against him. Indian authorities have pursued cases against the preacher, who has faced allegations relating to money laundering and promoting unlawful activities. Naik has denied wrongdoing.
Zakir Naik Expresses Preference For Congress
During the interaction, the reporter asked Naik whether he believed Congress leader Rahul Gandhi could lead the country.
Naik responded that Gandhi was not a seasoned or particularly experienced politician but was “better than” the current leadership, before claiming that he was honest and did not cheat.
The conversation also touched on India’s economic situation, the rupee’s depreciation against the US dollar and the ongoing political protests demanding a change of government.
When asked about the protests, Naik expressed hope that the BJP government would leave office before the next general election.
Reporter Discusses Contacts in Bangladesh
The sting operation also captured a conversation about Bangladesh. When asked about his next discourse, Naik said it would be soon and mentioned Bangladesh.
The reporter then asked whether Naik had contacts with organisations there and whether he could help connect the reporter with local groups. Naik said he would check.
Republic TV described the operation as its first encounter with Naik since he left India in 2016, claiming to have tracked him down at his apartment in Kuala Lumpur.
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