New Delhi: Wasim Rizvi, former chairman of Uttar Pradesh Shia Waqf Board, converted to Hinduism (also known as Sanatan Dharma) on Monday and changed his name to Jitendra Narayan Singh Tyagi. The ritual was performed at the Dasna Devi temple.
Speaking to ABP News, Wasim Rizvi said, "I will not give up Islam, but people who believe in Islam have thrown me out of it. When I advocated the construction of the Ram Temple, they expelled me from Islam. The prize money on my head is increased every Friday. Today I am embracing Sanatan Dharma."
Wasim Rizvi also said that he accepted Hinduism of his own free will and not out of fear.
"I always take my own decisions and the decision to accept Sanatan Dharma is also mine. My family's opinion on my conversion does not make any difference to my decision. I'm with anyone who accepts my decision to convert," he said.
When asked why he decided to accept Sanatan Dharma on December 6, Wasim Rizvi said work for Ram Mandir had begun on this day many years ago.
"I also raised my voice in support of the construction of Ram Mandir because the manner in which temples were demolished and mosques were constructed in India was immoral. If a mosque had to be built, there is no dearth of space in this country. However, people with bad intentions built mosques on land obtained after damaging temples. I have always opposed it and that is why those who believe in Islam speak against me," Rizvi said.
Wasim Rizvi said he had no plans on joining any political party and would not contest elections.
"I am not joining any political party nor will I contest elections. All I would say is to all Hindus that all orthodox Muslims vote for people who talk and act against Hindus. They do not vote for a candidate who can work for their needs, but for a candidate who defeats Hindus. Therefore, I would like to appeal to all Hindus and Muslims to keep their differences aside and vote for the most eligible candidate only, not for someone who carries out religion-based politics," he said.