Tension simmers in the heart of Madhya Pradesh’s Dhar district following the Supreme Court’s nuanced order on the Bhojshala controversy, with Maulana Shahabuddin Razvi predicting heightened risks of communal unrest.
As National President of All India Muslim Jamat, Razvi voiced his reaction from Bareilly, labeling the verdict a potential powder keg. The court permitted Hindu puja at the site till sunrise on Basant Panchami, then Muslim namaz, amid an unresolved title suit.
This compromise, born from Thursday’s hearing on a stay petition, seeks to honor both claims without prejudice. Yet Razvi begs to differ: “Co-mingling rituals at one venue invites chaos between communities.”
The dispute traces back years, fueled by claims of a submerged temple beneath the mosque. Recent flare-ups saw local courts intervene before escalating to Delhi. Justices emphasized time-bound activities to avert scuffles.
Razvi, invoking prayers for tranquility, stressed the human element courts often overlook—emotions run high during festivals.
Turning to Prayagraj, Razvi addressed the Kumbh spat with Shankaracharya Avimukteshwaranand Saraswati. Notices from mela authorities bruised the saint’s prestige, though he rebutted effectively.
“Respect his stature, but end this now,” Razvi implored. With the UP CM’s direct plea, protests must cease, allowing spiritual focus amid the grand congregation.
In an era of polarized narratives, Razvi’s measured critique calls for de-escalation, reminding that legal equity alone doesn’t guarantee social harmony. Stakeholders watch closely as Basant Panchami approaches.