MP: Tensions escalate between Hindus & Muslims with emergence of Saraswati Idol at disputed Bhojshala site in Dhar
13 Sep 2023 10:37:08
Dhar, Sept 13: In a shocking development, an idol of Vagdevi (goddess Saraswati) emerged within the disputed 12th-century Bhojshala premises in Madhya Pradesh’s Dhar district. It is pertinent to mention that the idol was removed by the district administration hours after it was found on Sunday.
Security forces have been deployed after a Hindu outfit threatened to hold an agitation, seeking restoration of the statue.
Bhojshala is a historical site that has been a bone of contention between Hindus and Muslims for decades. Situated in Dhar, roughly 250 km away from the state capital, it is regarded as one of the towns with communal sensitivities in Madhya Pradesh.
Recently, unidentified individuals attempted to install an idol of Goddess Saraswati in the disputed 12th-century site in the communally sensitive town of Dhar, Madhya Pradesh.
Recently, unidentified individuals attempted to install an idol of Goddess Saraswati in the disputed 12th-century site in the communally sensitive town of Dhar, Madhya Pradesh.
Hindus claim that it was a temple of Goddess Saraswati, also known as Vagdevi, built by King Bhoja in the 11th century. Muslims assert that it was a mosque of Kamal Maula, a Sufi saint, constructed in the 14th century.
The site, protected by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI), is considered to be Vagdevi’s temple by the Hindus however, the Muslims treat it as Kamal Maula’s mosque. Under ASI guidelines issued on April 7, 2003, Muslims are allowed to offer namaz at the premises on Fridays and Hindus are allowed to perform prayers on Tuesdays.
Based on the complaint of the district administration, a first information report (FIR) was filed under section 456 (house trespassing), 153A (promoting enmity between different groups) and 295 (injuring or defiling place of worship with intent to insult the religion of any class) of Indian Penal Code against unidentified people.
This has created tensions between Hindus and Muslims communities with both the communities criticizing the district administration.
This has also triggered a political row with the BJP calling for the restoration of the idol in the temple while the Congress has accused the BJP of creating tension in the area ahead of the assembly elections.