Maulana Shahabuddin Razvi Says Maha Kumbh Being 'Held On Waqf Land', Giriraj Says 'It's Older Than...'

Union Minister Giriraj Singh has responded to Maulana Shahabuddin's remarks, claiming that the Maha Kumbh has been held even before the birth of Prophet Muhammad.

File photo of Maulana Shahabuddin Razvi and Giriraj Singh.

Source : X/PTI

With just days remaining for the Maha Kumbh in Prayagraj, Maulana Shahabuddin Razvi Barelvi has stirred a controversy after he claimed that the massive gathering of Hindu saints is being held on Waqf land. 

Union Minister Giriraj Singh has responded to Maulana Shahabuddin's remarks, claiming that the Maha Kumbh has been held even before the birth of Prophet Muhammad. 

"Usko apna Aukaat nahi pata hai. (He doesn't know his status). The Kumbh has been happening since long before the birth of Prophet Muhammad," Giriraj Singh said. 

Patna, Bihar: On All India Muslim Jamat president Maulana Shahabuddin Razvi Barelvi's claims regarding the Maha Kumbh being organized on Waqf land, Union Minister Giriraj Singh says, "...The Kumbh has been happening since long before the birth of Prophet Muhammad" pic.twitter.com/gJ4ZiNondt

— IANS (@ians_india) January 9, 2025

Maulana Shahabuddin Razvi Barelvi, the National President of All India Muslim Jamaat, said that the Maha Kumbh is being organised on Waqf land, which spreads to around 54 'bighas'. 

"Muslims have always shown a large heart, and there are many examples of this. The Maha Kumbh is being organized on Waqf land, yet we are not opposing it. They should also show a large-hearted approach," Shahabuddin Razvi said, adding that organisations like the Akhara Parishad and other religious leaders are imposing restrictions on the entry of Muslims. 

Razvi was referring to the November 4 directive of the Akhara Parishad, which passed a resolution stating that only Hindus should be allowed entry into the Maha Kumbh. 

Maulana Shahabuddin Razvi Barelvi's statements have drawn criticism from both the Hindu and the Muslim communities.

Kashish Warsi, National President of Bhartiya Sufi Foundation, said, "It's unfortunate that certain Maulanas and Muftis spread hatred under the guise of Islam, defaming both Muslims and Islam."

Moradabad, Uttar Pradesh: National President of Bhartiye Sufi Foundation, Kashish Warsi reacts to All India Muslim Jamat president Maulana Shahabuddin Razvi Barelvi's claims regarding the Maha Kumbh Mela being organized on Waqf land, says, "...It's unfortunate that certain… pic.twitter.com/4WfiqvsNXz

— IANS (@ians_india) January 7, 2025

Jagadguru Swami Rambhadracharya said Prayagraj belongs to Hindus and warned of any political intervention will be done in Kumbh.

#WATCH | Prayagraj, UP | On All India Muslim Jamaat president Maulana Shahabuddin Razvi Barelvi reportedly supporting the claim that the Maha Kumbh is being organised on Waqf land, Jagadguru Swami Rambhadracharya says, "... They are lying, Prayagraj belongs to us... Only… pic.twitter.com/qswIkLtyx1

— ANI (@ANI) January 8, 2025

"They are lying, Prayagraj belongs to us... Only Hindutva's face will shine and no political intervention will be done in Kumbh," Jagadguru Swami Rambhadracharya said.