Political rhetoric has intensified in Uttar Pradesh over Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav’s proposed visit to Ayodhya. Bareilly Maulana Mufti Shahabuddin Razvi described Akhilesh as riding in two boats and said that after visiting the Ram temple, he should also go to Ajmer Sharif. In a warning tone, the Maulana said any attempt to create political balance with the support of religion and faith could meet the same fate as Congress.
Maulana cites the Rajiv Gandhi era
Maulana Shahabuddin, national president of the All India Muslim Jamaat, said visiting a temple is a matter of personal faith for every individual. If Akhilesh visits the Ram temple, he should also visit the dargah of Khwaja Garib Nawaz at Ajmer Sharif, he said. Referring to former prime minister Rajiv Gandhi’s tenure and the Shah Bano case, he alleged that Congress tried to reach out to different communities, but suffered political losses as a result.
Rajbhar says namaz will be offered in temple
On the other hand, Uttar Pradesh government cabinet minister Om Prakash Rajbhar also targeted Akhilesh Yadav. Speaking to journalists in Ambedkar Nagar, he said Akhilesh was chief minister for five years, but what did he do for Ayodhya? Rajbhar alleged that during the SP government, namaz was offered on the steps of Hanuman Garhi. Taking a jibe, he said that if Akhilesh returned to power, he would have namaz offered even inside the temple.
Akhilesh to visit Ayodhya on December 12
Akhilesh Yadav has announced a programme to visit Ayodhya with his family on December 12 and have darshan of Ramlalla. He has also spoken about developing Ayodhya as a global religious tourism centre if he comes to power. After reactions from saints, BJP leaders and now Muslim religious leaders to the proposed visit, the debate over religious faith and politics has intensified.
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