Supporters of Kerimov and Gamzatova argued on social media after her complaint to Putin.

Aina Gamzatova and the Muftiyat of Dagestan provided significant assistance to hospitals and doctors during the coronavirus pandemic, while Senator Suleiman Kerimov is trying to strengthen his influence over the Muftiyat, supporters of Gamzatova stated on social media. Their opponents argued that Kerimov has repeatedly helped the clergy, including allocating funds for the construction of mosques and organizing pilgrimage trips, but instead of gratitude from the Muftiyat, a complaint was voiced to President Vladimir Putin.

As reported by "Caucasian Knot", on November 13, the advisor to the Mufti of Dagestan, Aina Gamzatova, appealed to President of Russia Vladimir Putin with a complaint about pressure on the Muftiyat from regional authorities and the entourage of Senator Suleiman Kerimov. According to her, people associated with Kerimov are concentrating political and economic influence in the republic and are trying to weaken the Muftiyat. Gamzatova also mentioned the economic difficulties of the religious organization and concerns about pressure on her businesses.

On November 13, a post about Aina Gamzatova's appeal to the President of Russia was published on the Instagram*-public hello_makhachkala. The administrator of the public invited the residents of Dagestan to express their opinion about the appeal.

"How do you assess Aina Gamzatova's appeal to the President of Russia?" – the author of the publication inquired.

As of 14:50 Moscow time on November 14, this post in the Instagram*-public hello_makhachkala, which has about 207.8 thousand followers, received 286 likes and 407 comments.

Some residents of Dagestan in the comments supported Gamzatova's appeal. "We have exaggerated the role of Senator Kerimov in supporting Dagestan, just look at the airport, the entry/exit – such high tariffs, no fund or support center, yes, there is targeted support, but what has Senator Kerimov done, given his capabilities, for the republic? And count how much the Muftiyat has done as an organization for the region, they shouldn't interfere, they shouldn't lobby personal interests to the statesman," – wrote asma____05.

"I support Aina. At least someone dared to convey the problems of Dagestan to the president," – noted 19leila70.

Other commentators supported Suleiman Kerimov, reminding of his financial assistance to the republic and the Muftiyat. "Kerimov put people to control the finances he allocates, he allocated 1.5 billion for the Isa mosque, and it is still unfinished, he allocates tickets for Hajj and Umrah, but these distribute them among their relatives, the same people go to Hajj every year, in general, this will not happen anymore, everyone will do it themselves, and that's why they are in a frenzy," – wrote marlin_moon01.

"So much Suleiman has done for the republic, and how many years did you all go to Hajj at his expense, and here is your thank you. Good deeds are quickly forgotten, and this is characteristic of our people," – wrote amikids2017.

Some participants in the discussion supported the Muftiyat of Dagestan, recounting the assistance that the religious organization provided to those in need. "During COVID, I worked in the red zone, and there was no supply at first, until the Muftiyat workers arrived with medicines, masks, and special uniforms, in addition, all doctors received financial assistance of 25 thousand personally in hand," – wrote san__kosmetika_.

"As a participant in the special military operation, I personally witnessed the effectiveness of the Muftiyat of the Republic of Dagestan <…>. It helps in resolving legal and medical issues, as well as providing invaluable spiritual and psychological support <…>", – wrote yusuf_askhabaliev_.

"When people were dying during COVID-19, the Mufti also appealed to Putin for help. <…> Today, what is happening, Dagestanis are like orphans, while the authorities are busy with oligarchs, as if the people do not exist, they have even started to meddle in religious affairs <…>", – wrote salam.6502.

"Caucasian Knot" also reported that the activities of the Muftiyat of Dagestan and Suleiman Kerimov had previously become the subject of public disputes. For example, in August 2025, the attempt to remove the imam of the Jumah mosque in Buynaksk caused a conflict between parishioners and supporters of the Muftiyat. Analysts interviewed by "Caucasian Knot" linked the confrontation to the policy of the Spiritual Administration of Muslims of Dagestan, which seeks to control the appointments of imams.

In October 2024, Dagestani journalists disagreed in their assessments of the campaign in support of Suleiman Kerimov after threats against him from the head of Chechnya, Ramzan Kadyrov. Some considered the public support for the senator a manifestation of gratitude for his charitable activities, while others suggested the use of administrative resources.