Yakub Habeebuddin Tucy, always found dressed like a sultan, is a self-proclaimed descendant of the Mughals. He has lately been in the news for saying that he will donate a gold brick worth Rs 1.8 crore for the construction of the Ram temple in Ayodhya. He claims that Babur was a secular figure and that his commander destroyed the temple without Babur’s knowledge. He is also relieved and happy that the temple’s restoration in Ayodhya has begun. The Daily Guardian meets him at his farmhouse in Shamsabad for an interview. Excerpts:
Q. The “bhoomi pujan” ceremony for the Ram temple is going to take place on 5 August, after years of legal battle. What are your thoughts about that?
A. We are very happy about reconstructing the temple. I say this as an heir of the great Mughals. It has been my family’s wish to build a Ram Mandir in Ayodhya. The Ram Mandir used to there until Mir Baqui demolished it and constructed the Babri Masjid. Babar was secular and he did not know about it, which is why there should not be a name like Babri Masjid in Ayodhya. Babar’s name should not be misused. Even on the 5 acres of land allotted to the Muslims, a mosque should not be built in the name of Babar.
Q. You say you’re donating a gold brick for the temple. What is the reason behind that?
A. There is no symbolism here. Islam teaches us to respect other religions. All Mughals are secular beings, including me. Babur had been cheated and his image tarnished even though he had not demolished the temple. I am also sending a secular message, therefore, by offering the gold brick.
Q. Would you call the unopposed construction of the mandir a symbol of India’s unity?
A. India is a land of religious harmony and the Ram temple sends a good message to all. It will shine as a symbol of religious coexistence.
Q. Many in the Opposition say that they should’ve held a virtual ceremony, considering the current pandemic. Do you see it as a genuine concern or is the Opposition simply trying to score brownie points?
A. Some “gully” leaders are playing these cheap tricks. Some leaders do that for publicity. They have been involved in vote-bank politics for too long. There is no need to care for them. The PM and others will observe all safety rules.
Q. Asaduddin Owaisi has slammed the PM for attending the event. What is your take on that?
A. The PM does not belong only to the Hindu community, he is for all. Owaisi is a goodfor-nothing fellow. He is actually a joker. He is a converted Muslim and does all this for the sake of cheap politics and provoking public sentiments for votes.
Q. Have you been invited for the ceremony? Do you have any plans to visit the janmabhoomi?
A. The PM has a very busy schedule and the guest list for Ayodhya is limited. I have been to Ayodhya two or three times otherwise. The mandir construction will be finished in a few years, I will visit the Ram Mandir then.
Q. Do you think the construction will be completed before the 2024 polls? And once it is done, will it still be an electoral issue?
A. There are no politics involved in the Ram Mandir issue now. It is going to be built as per the wish of the people. It’s going to be a major construction and it is up to the government of Uttar Pradesh to complete it in two or three years.