The Aman Sandesh Times
Shimla : Himachal Pradesh Minister and Congress leader Anirudh Singh faced protests from MLAs of his own party after he demanded an investigation into the alleged illegal construction of Sanjauli Masjid in Shimla. Speaking in the Himachal Assembly, the minister claimed that the issue had caused tension in the area, which was countered by a fellow party MLA.
Other ministers, while speaking to the media on the issue, also appeared not to endorse Anirudh Singh’s position.
Anirudh Singh, the Rural Development Minister, questioned if permission was taken from the administration before opening the mosque.
“They started the construction without approval. It was an illegal structure. First, one floor was built, then the rest followed,” he said.
The minister further added, “They have a habit of engaging in illegal activities. They built a 5-storey mosque. This entire matter should be investigated.”
The mosque’s construction has been at the centre of a heated debate in recent days in Himachal Pradesh. Around 44 hearings have already taken place regarding the alleged illegal construction, but no final decision has been reached.
The minister further flagged that thefts in the Sanjauli market area were on the rise and raised concerns about love jihad.
“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 said amid protests from fellow MLAs.
Congress MLA Harish Janartha countered the minister’s comments in the Assembly, asserting that there was no tension in the area. He stated that the mosque was originally built before 1960 and three additional storeys were “illegally” added in 2010 on Waqf Board land.
Janartha mentioned that the illegally constructed toilets had been demolished and accused certain elements of escalating the issue.
Another state minister, Jagat Negi, appeared to avoid the controversy, stating, “I don’t have much information”. He added, “If someone has done illegal construction, then strict action will be taken”.
Minister Vikramaditya Singh urged that the issue not be politicised, emphasising the state’s history of inclusivity. “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.
The Himachal Pradesh Assembly witnessed a heated debate over the Sanjauli mosque as a call-attention motion was raised by BJP MLA Balveer Verma and Congress MLA Harish Janartha.
Meanwhile, Hyderabad MP and All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM) leader Asaduddin Owaisi criticised Congress over its stance on the issue, asking, “Is the Himachal government run by BJP or Congress?”
“There is only hatred in Himachal’s ‘Mohabbat ki Dukaan’! In this video, the Himachal minister is speaking the language of the BJP,” Owaisi said, sharing Anirudh Singh’s speech.
Former Chief Minister and BJP leader Jai Ram Thakur said it was “unfortunate” that the mosque was constructed illegally and stated that “action should be taken”.
