Lucknow: Amid ongoing temple-mosque disputes and legal battles over religious structures in India, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath asserted on Friday that disputed structures should not be referred to as mosques. Speaking at an event in Mahakumbh Nagar, Prayagraj, organized by Aaj Tak, Adityanath emphasized that such terminology perpetuates conflicts and runs contrary to the principles of Islam.
“Any disputed structure should not be called a mosque. the day we stop calling it mosque, people will also stop going there,” he stated, arguing that the use of such terms incites unnecessary disputes. Adityanath elaborated that Islam, as a faith, does not require structures for worship, whereas Sanatan Dharma places significant importance on physical sites of devotion.
This comes at a time when the Supreme Court has ordered a status quo on cases involving disputed religious sites under the Places of Worship Act and barred civil courts from entertaining fresh suits.
Adityanath highlighted the importance of fostering mutual respect and harmony among communities, urging Muslims to voluntarily acknowledge and return sites with disputed histories. Citing historical texts like the Ain-i-Akbari, he claimed that several mosques, including the Jama Masjid in Sambhal, were constructed on lands where Hindu temples once stood.
“There is both scriptural evidence and evidence of faith regarding such matters. I believe judicial intervention should not be necessary. Instead, reconciliation should come voluntarily, with a spirit of trust and mutual respect,” he said.
The Chief Minister also addressed claims that portions of the Maha Kumbh site in Prayagraj were Waqf Board property. He refuted these assertions, calling them “malicious tendencies” aimed at creating disputes.
“This site has been hosting the Maha Kumbh for thousands of years. To now label it as Waqf Board property is absurd. If such claims persist, the culprits will face ‘denting-painting,’” he remarked, using a colloquial term to describe strict corrective actions.
He added that amendments to land record reviews would ensure the reclamation of properties wrongfully claimed by the Waqf Board. The review process, he stated, goes back to 1363 Fasli to verify original ownership.
Adityanath also underscored the historical and spiritual significance of sites like Ayodhya and Sambhal, asserting that these locations are integral to Sanatan Dharma. Referring to Sambhal, he said, “Five thousand years ago, there was no Islam on this earth, so how could there be a mention of Jama Masjid in that era?”
Adityanath criticized opposition parties for their handling of past Maha Kumbh events, accusing them of neglect and chaos. “This year’s Maha Kumbh will reflect the spirit of ‘Ek Bharat, Shreshtha Bharat,’ with participation from pilgrims across the nation,” he said, emphasizing the event’s inclusivity and significance.
On the legal front, Adityanath expressed confidence that the Supreme Court would ensure justice in disputes related to the Places of Worship Act. “Faith is deeply rooted in India, and this must be respected. The Maha Kumbh is a testament to the spiritual fabric of our nation,” he said.
