Shimla mosque row: Vikramaditya slams BJP, posts ex-minister’s letter ‘supporting’ namaazis at disputed shrine
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Himachal Pradesh Urban Development and PWD Minister Vikramaditya Singh has posted a controversial letter related to the Sanjauli mosque that appears to have put the opposition BJP on the defensive. The shrine is in the limelight over illegal construction.
The purported letter was written by former state Urban Development Minister and Shimla ex-MLA Suresh Bhardwaj during his tenure in the previous BJP government. The letter, which is now going viral, shows Bhardwaj allegedly lobbying in favour of accommodating namaaz at the disputed mosque.
In his post, Vikramaditya highlighted the letter, criticising the former BJP minister for advocating on behalf of the mosque’s management while now blaming the Congress-led government for the controversy. “The BJP ministers themselves supported the mosque at Sanjauli. If the court find it illegal, 100 per cent action will be taken,” the minister wrote on his Facebook page, sparking a wave of responses from the public and political commentators alike.
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BJP on the defensive
The letter has placed Suresh Bhardwaj, a senior BJP leader and former minister, under intense scrutiny. Bhardwaj’s correspondence with the chief executive officer of the Himachal Pradesh Waqf Board, in which he recommended the transfer of the Imam of the Sanjauli mosque to another location, has raised questions about the BJP’s stance on the issue.
This development comes at a time when the BJP has been attacking the state government for the recent police lathi-charge on protesters in Sanjauli. The protesters, primarily members of Hindu organisations, have been demanding the demolition of what they claim are illegal constructions at the mosque. While the protest itself was not officially led by the BJP, many of the participants were BJP supporters, including those loyal to Bhardwaj.
Political fallout
The release of the letter has complicated the BJP’s narrative as the party has been vocally criticising the current Congress government for failing to address the mosque issue. With Bhardwaj’s documented support for the mosque now public, the BJP’s position appears to be compromised, with opponents accusing the party of double standards.
Vikramaditya Singh’s post has ignited a political backlash, with many questioning the BJP’s role in the mosque’s construction. The Congress is now using the viral letter to challenge the BJP’s recent attacks on law enforcement and the state administration, suggesting that the party itself was complicit in enabling the mosque’s expansion during its time in power.
No response from Bhardwaj yet
Suresh Bhardwaj, who has been a prominent figure in BJP politics in Shimla, has yet to respond in detail to the allegations stemming from the viral letter. However, the revelation comes at a critical time, as tensions surrounding the Sanjauli mosque remain high.
The BJP leader has been a vocal critic of the police response to the recent protests, but with his past involvement in the mosque’s affairs coming to light, his credibility is being questioned by political rivals and citizens alike.
Crucial hearing on October 5
The controversy surrounding the Sanjauli mosque continues to deepen, with both political parties trading accusations. The Shimla Municipal Corporation has scheduled a hearing on October 5 to address the legal status of the mosque’s construction. Until then, the situation remains fluid, with protests likely to persist and political tensions running high.
