New Delhi: Haji Arafat Shaikh, a Muslim leader of the Shiv Sena has threatened that if Bhoomata Ranragini Brigade leader Trupti Desai tries to enter Haji Ali dargah then she would be hit with ‘chappals’ (slippers).
“Trupti Desai says will enter and touch Mazaar at Haji Ali, we strongly condemn this. If she makes an attempt then she would be welcomed with 'prasad' of chappals," Shaikh told.
"Women are allowed to enter in the Haji ali dargah. To ensure the safety of women, they enter from left side, offer prayers and leave from left door. According to Islam women observe ‘parda’. Many Islamic clerics will give their statements on it. Rather than focusing on many other important issues they are doing this. I will become the voice of my religion and won't let her touch the mazaar. Many Muslim women are also opposing her," he added.
Desai, who successfully spearheaded the agitation seeking entry of women in Shani Shinganapur's sanctum, has sought entry of women into the core area of the Haji Al Dargah in Mumbai.
She said fighting for women's right was part of her mission and she would proactively take part in this movement too. "Statements like these show their mindset towards women. I don't care about such threats."
Desai said unrestricted entry for women into places of worship had come as boost for the Bhoomata Brigade's fight against gender inequality and the crusade would now be waged at a national level.
"We shall take forward our campaign at Haji Ali Dargah in Mumbai where about 50 organisations including 15 belonging to Muslims would participate to ensure entry of women," she added.