Himachal: Minister In Congress Govt Calls For Probe Into 'Illegal Mosque', Faces Backlash Within Party

On Thursday, BJP workers and members of Hindu organisations, apart from a section of local residents, held protests in Shimla against the mosque, calling it illegal and seeking its demolition.

File photo of Himachal Pradesh Minister and Congress leader Anirudh Singh

Source : IANS

A minister in Himachal Pradesh's Congress government has drawn criticism from his own party colleagues for alleging that a mosque in Shimla is illegally built. Rural Development Minister Anirudh Singh made the remarks about the Sanjauli mosque while addressing the Himachal Pradesh assembly on Wednesday.

The controversy stems from allegations that the mosque is an unauthorised construction and that additional floors were built illegally. Singh said the alleged irregularities had been flagged repeatedly since 2010 through notices to the mosque, adding that it had also been the subject of 44 court hearings. Singh called for an investigation into the allegations, saying it had stoked tensions in the area.

On Thursday, BJP workers and members of Hindu organisations, apart from a section of local residents, held protests in Shimla against the mosque, calling it illegal and seeking its demolition.

VIDEO | Himachal Pradesh: Visuals of protest against construction of mosque at Sanjauli, a suburb of Shimla.

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Addressing the assembly on Wednesday, Singh questioned whether permission was obtained from the authorities before the mosque was built. "They started construction without approval. It was an illegal structure. They built one floor, then added more," he claimed, according to India Today. He added, "They have a habit of engaging in illegal activities. They built a 5-storey mosque. This entire matter should be investigated."

Singh, who sought to clarify that his concern was solely about unauthorised construction and not whether it involved a mosque or temple, also expressed concern about "rising thefts in the Sanjauli market area".

"It has become difficult for women to walk in the Sanjauli market, and thefts are occurring... 'Love Jihad' is another serious issue that needs attention and is dangerous for our country and state. Fights are taking place," he stated as MLAs protested.

Mosque Was First Constructed Around 1960: Harish Janartha 

In response to the minister's remarks in the assembly, Congress MLA Harish Janartha said there was no tension in the area. According to him, the mosque was first constructed around 1960, and three further stories were "illegally" installed on Waqf Board property in 2010.

According to an India Today report, he said that unlawfully built toilets had been demolished and accused certain parties of blowing the issue out of proportion.

Speaking to the media, state minister Vikramaditya Singh emphasised the state's heritage of inclusivity, and called for the matter to not be politicised. "We must proceed with caution on this issue. We respect everyone's sentiments and will act with justice. The government will take action in accordance with the law. Our state is Devbhoomi (Land of the Gods)... Politics should not be played in the name of religion. Let the law take its course," he said.