A fresh controversy has erupted on the eve of the Maha Kumbh Mela to be held at Prayagraj and questions arise about it being held on Waqf land. The president of All India Muslim Jamat, Maulana Shahabuddin Razvi Barelvi, today claimed that 55 bighas of land being used for the Hindu religious gathering belong to the Waqf Board.
Maulana Razvi, in a video message, appreciated the Muslim community in Prayagraj for their “large-heartedness” in letting the event take place on what he says is Waqf land. He said that this courtesy extended by the Muslims be reciprocated by the Hindu leaders in that matter, and they should allow the Muslims to participate in the Kumbh Mela. Razvi has also criticized the All India Akhara Parishad’s decision to bar non-Hindus from attending the religious event, terming it “majoritarian.”
Non-Hindus shall not be banned from entering Maha Kumbh Mela as it will be held on Waqf land, says All India Muslim Jamat
“The land where the Maha Kumbh preparations are underway belongs to the Waqf, owned by local Muslims. Yet, they have raised no objections. Meanwhile, Hindu leaders and religious groups are showing narrow-mindedness by excluding Muslims,” Razvi said in a statement.
Sharp reactions came from Hindu leaders as they attacked the claim. Swami Chakrapani Maharaj, president of the Hindu Mahasabha, termed the statement as “baseless” and “malicious” while rebuking the cleric. He demanded that Razvi’s efforts be taken in immediate action so that he could not create disturbances at Maha Kumbh.
“Maulana Shahabuddin appears to be sponsored by Pakistan by mindset. Such people make controversial statements to disrupt peace before religious events. The FIRs against such people would help maintain peace,” said Chakrapani Maharaj.
The controversy has deepened the already strained religious sentiments associated with the festival. The Hindu outfits believe that the allegations of Waqf land are baseless and are a ploy to defile the sacredness of Maha Kumbh Mela.
The Prayagraj government is still to make any official comment on the issue of Waqf land, but the debate has set off a storm in the political and religious forums.
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