Shimla, Sept 4,
The Himachal Pradesh Vidhan Sabha witnessed a heated debate on Wednesday regarding the construction of a multi-storey mosque in Sanjauli, Shimla, as a call attention motion was brought forward by BJP MLA Balbir Verma and Congress MLA Harish Janartha.
The discussion highlighted internal discord within the ruling Congress party, as divergent views were expressed on how to handle the matter, exposing a lack of unanimity on the issue.
Urban Development Minister Vikramaditya Singh responded to the motion by affirming that the government would adhere to court directives regarding the mosque, which is currently under legal scrutiny in the Municipal Corporation (MC) Commissioner Court. Singh emphasized that the government would act strictly within the ambit of the law, respecting judicial outcomes and ensuring that any action taken would be legally sound.
He also noted that the Home Department had taken prompt action in response to a recent altercation in Malyana, which had further fueled the controversy, registering an FIR and launching an investigation.
The debate took a surprising turn when Rural Development and Panchayati Raj Minister Anirudh Singh sharply criticized the construction of the mosque, labeling it as an illegal structure and an encroachment on government land.
His remarks were notably in contrast to his party’s official stance, as he voiced concerns about the growing presence of people from a “particular community” in the area, questioning if they might be Rohingya Muslims.
Singh’s critique extended to the local administration, which he accused of negligence for allowing the mosque to be constructed without the requisite permissions, and he demanded an investigation into how this was permitted to happen.
Anirudh Singh’s comments set off a wave of tension within the Congress party. Harish Janartha, the Congress MLA from Shimla Urban, took a more measured approach, advising against exaggerating the issue and urging that any action should be taken in accordance with the law.
Janartha acknowledged that the mosque was built on land belonging to the Waqf Board and that the construction had begun 10-15 years ago. He cautioned that any hasty actions against the mosque could have broader legal implications, potentially ensnaring others in the process.
The debate reflects the complexities and sensitivities surrounding the issue of religious structures and community dynamics in Himachal Pradesh. The mosque, which has become a flashpoint for communal tensions in Sanjauli, has also sparked protests from various Hindu organizations, with locals demanding its demolition, alleging that the influx of outsiders has disrupted the local community and led to an increase in crimes.
As the matter continues to unfold, the state government finds itself navigating a delicate balance between upholding the law and addressing the concerns of its citizens.
Clearly the Vidhan Sabha debate underscored the internal challenges the Congress party faces in managing such contentious issues, with party members expressing differing views on how best to proceed. The outcome of the ongoing legal proceedings in the Commissioner Court will likely play a critical role in determining the next steps in this increasingly volatile situation.
Empower Independent Journalism – Join Us Today!
Dear Reader,
We’re committed to unbiased, in-depth journalism that uncovers truth and gives voice to the unheard. To sustain our mission, we need your help. Your contribution, no matter the size, fuels our research, reporting, and impact.
Stand with us in preserving independent journalism’s integrity and transparency. Support free press, diverse perspectives, and informed democracy.
Click [here] to join and be part of this vital endeavour.
Thank you for valuing independent journalism.
Warmly,
Vishal Sarin, Editor
