Shimla: Tensions have escalated over the construction of a mosque in Himachal Pradesh capital Shimla’s Sanjauli, with BJP leader Chetan Bragta fiercely opposing AIMIM MP Asaduddin Owaisi’s “interference” in the matter.
Following a heated debate in the Himachal Pradesh Vidhan Sabha on Wednesday, Bragta, son of former Himachal minister late Narender Singh Bragta, rebuked Owaisi for commenting on Himachal issues, asserting that the state should be left to its own affairs.
“Why do you always think that the one who speaks the truth is only from the BJP?” questioned Bragta, addressing Owaisi’s recent remarks. “It would be better for you to keep a distance from Devbhoomi Himachal,” said Bragta, who is the spokesperson and incharge of the BJP’s IT and social media cell for Himachal. He unsuccessfully contested the 2022 Assembly elections from Jubbal-Kotkhai constituency.
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Owaisi takes jibe at Congress govt
The controversy intensified after Owaisi commented on the mosque issue, questioning the political climate in the state. “Is the Himachal government run by the BJP or the Congress? There is only hatred in Himachal’s ‘Mohabbat ki Dukaan’,” he said, referencing ongoing political narratives. He further added, “In this video, the Himachal minister (Anirudh Singh) is speaking in the language of BJP.”
Minister counters own party’s MLA
In the Vidhan Sabha, Congress MLA Harish Janartha and Panchayati Raj Minister Anirudh Singh clashed over the mosque’s construction. Singh expressed concern about the growing presence of the Muslim community in Sanjauli, implying that some individuals might be Rohingya Muslims or from Bangladesh.
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He pointed out that a multi-storey mosque was built in the area without permission, raising concerns about illegal constructions and women’s safety in the vicinity. “If any local builds an illegal structure here, it is demolished immediately. Yet this mosque stands untouched,” Singh remarked.
Mosque built on Waqf land?
Janartha countered by explaining that the mosque in question was built on land belonging to the Waqf Board and that its construction began 10-15 years ago. “This is not a recent development. The surrounding land also belongs to the Waqf Board. If we act against it, our people will also be implicated,” Janartha argued, urging restraint and caution. He further pointed out that toilets adjacent to the mosque were demolished earlier this year and that the matter was pending in the Municipal Corporation Court.
BJP MLA Balbir Verma raised concerns over the mosque’s proximity to several temples, schools and other public institutions. He claimed that the area had become overwhelmed by religious gatherings, with as many as 500 people attending prayer services. “Preaching in the name of religion should not be allowed in Sanjauli,” Verma demanded, calling for strict action.
