The Akhil Bhartiya Hindu Mahasabha on Thursday has sought permission to recite the Hanuman Chalisa (devotional hymns to Lord Hanuman) inside the premises of the newly opened Lulu Mall in Lucknow after a video purportedly showing a group of people offering namaz went viral on social media. According to reports, the Hindu group also sought permission from the local authorities to recite the Hanuman Chalisa on Friday.
The video evoked strong reaction from several right-wing outfits. Earlier in the day, the members of the Akhil Bhartiya Hindu Mahasabha reached outside the gates of the mall and staged a protest.
"People from a particular community are being allowed to offer namaz inside the mall. The mall authorities should also allow Hindus and people for other communities to offer prayers," Sishir Charturvedi, who identified himself as the national spokesman of the Mahasabha, told news agency PTI.
He also alleged that members of his group were not allowed to enter the mall.
The controversy broke a day after it was inaugurated by Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath. The mall has been opened by Abu Dhabi-based Lulu Group, led by Indian-origin billionaire Yussuf Ali MA.
Responding to the controversy, mall issued a statement and said that Lulu Mall respects all religions. "Lulu Mall respects all religions. Any kind of religious work or prayer is not permitted here. We train our floor staff and security staff to keep an eye on such activities," Sameer Verma, general manager of the mall said.
Meanwhile, several Police officials reached outside the mall to maintain law and order soon after prortests were reported.
The Akhil Bhartiya Hindu Mahasabha later lodged a complaint regarding the issue. "Namaz was offered inside the Mall which is against the state government's decision of not allowing namaz in public places," reads the complaint.
The complaint also claims that nearly 70 per cent of the mall staff are men from the Muslim community, while the remaining 30 per cent are women from Hindu community. Police have said that it complaints by Hindu group is being looked into.
(With inputs from PTI.)