Kanthapuram meets Modi, seeks development of AMU Malappuram campus

Kerala Muslim Jamaat president Kanthapuram A.P. Aboobacker Musliar met Prime Minister Narendra Modi in New Delhi on Monday (February 16, 2026) and discussed various issues affecting the Muslim community. The meeting covered several matters related to minority welfare and international developments.

In a social media post, Mr. Kanthapuram, who holds the title of Grand Mufti of India, said that he informed Mr. Modi about the concerns and demands raised during his recent Kerala yatra titled ‘With Humanity’. He said the Prime Minister appreciated the educational and social welfare activities carried out by Jamia Markaz and Kerala Muslim Jamaat.

Mr. Kanthapuram demanded that development should include everyone in society. He said growth should not focus only on the economy; happiness and human development are just as important. He further demanded that resources should be shared fairly. Allocation should be based on population size and balanced regional development, he said.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi bidding farewell to Kerala Muslim Jamaat president Kanthapuram A.P. Aboobacker Musliar (in wheelchair) after their meeting in New Delhi on Monday.
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SPECIAL ARRANGEMENT

During the meeting, he raised the need to develop the Malappuram campus of Aligarh Muslim University into a full-fledged educational centre. Mr. Kanthapuram also expressed concerns regarding Waqf and the ongoing SIR process. He called for the protection of historic mosques and Islamic heritage sites.

He further demanded the restoration of minority education welfare schemes, including the Maulana Azad National Fellowship. He also urged the introduction of train services connecting major pilgrimage centres in South India.

Samastha Kerala Jamiyyathul Ulama (Kanthapuram) secretary Abdurahman Saqafi Perodu and Markaz Knowledge City managing director Abdul Hakkim Azhari were also present at the meeting.