Trupti Desai stopped from entering Haji Ali Dargah

Mumbai: The Mumbai Police did not allow Bhumata Brigade chief Trupti Desai to come out of her car as she attempted to enter the Haji Ali Dargah this evening. Several activists had gathered outside the dargah and were chanting slogans against Desai over her decision to enter the inner sanctum. AIMIM's Haji Rafat Hussain had earlier threatened to smear black ink on activist Trupti Desai if she attempts to enter Mumbai's Haji Ali Dargah. Hussain told ANI that Desai was attempting to disturb the prevailing ambiance with her ulterior motive, adding that the Mumbai Police should take note of the same and stop her. "We are of the opinion that whatever work Desai ji has done for the temple that's okay, but I feel that the Muslims would not tolerate if she raises fingers at them," he said. Bhumata Ranragini Brigade founder Trupti Desai, who had earlier announced that she would enter the dargah on April 28, launched the campaign 'Haji Ali For All' in April to allow women to the tomb of Pir Haji Ali Shah Bukhari and offer 'chadar' there. Desai today asked Bollywood actors Shahrukh Khan, Salman Khan and Aamir Khan to lend support to their cause, which is aimed at eradicating differential treatment meted out to women at religious places. "I think Shahrukh Khan, Salman Khan and Aamir Khan should state their stand on what we are trying to achieve here, on our cause... That way I believe that their fan following will join us and support us in our fight for equality," she told ANI. After spearheading a successful campaign for women's right to worship in temples, Desai had on Monday said that Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) should allow women to join the organisation. Speaking to ANI, Desai expressed hope that the RSS would respect their stand and consider their demand. "I think Mohan Bhagwat ji is a progressive thinker and he will respect our stand of entry for women in RSS," she said. Desai had earlier insisted that the threats of Shiv Sena leader Haji Arafat will not work. "This kind of threat is wrong. Everyone has the right to protest in a democracy," Desai said. On Saturday, Shiv Sena leader Haji Arafat said that he would not allow her to touch the mazar-e-sharif at the Hazi Ali Dargah. Arafat, who joined the Shiv Sena after leaving the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena in 2014, said that the attempt by Desai to enter the Haji Ali Dargah is a conspiracy meant to disturb Mumbai's peaceful environment. The Haji Ali Dargah does not allow women to enter the inner chamber. Only men are allowed to go inside the Haji Ali Mazar and pray. This ban came into force in 2011.