The conflict within the Congress party deepened over the Shimla Mosque controversy after prominent leader Rashid Alvi questioned the difference between the BJP and Congress if a mosque is being demolished in a state governed by his party.
Alvi criticized the Congress-led Himachal Pradesh government for not addressing the uproar over the demolition of the allegedly illegally constructed Sanjauli mosque. He remarked, “If any mosque is being demolished in the state even after the Congress is in power, then what is the difference between the Congress and the BJP?” He emphasized, “That place belongs to Waqf. Even a minister in the govt (Himachal Pradesh) has said that it belongs to Waqf. It’s an old mosque and there is no question of demolishing it. It’s the responsibility of the CM to take legal action against all those creating a ruckus against the mosque.”
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The internal strife within Congress intensified when Himachal Pradesh Minister Anirudh Singh, also a Congress leader, accused the Shimla mosque of being constructed illegally. Speaking in the Himachal Pradesh Assembly, Singh called for an investigation into the Sanjauli Masjid’s construction, alleging that the mosque was built without proper authorization. “They started the construction without approval. It was an illegal structure. First, one floor was built, then the rest followed,” Singh stated.
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The controversy surrounding the alleged illegal construction of the mosque has led to significant debate in Himachal Pradesh, with approximately 44 court hearings held so far without a final resolution.
In response to the ongoing dispute, Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu assured that the state government is committed to maintaining harmony. He acknowledged the protests against the mosque’s alleged illegal construction and assured that no community is being harassed in the state. Sukhu also instructed ministers not to exploit the situation for political purposes, remarking, “Such incidents should not happen.”