Amid claims that a 'shivling' has been found at the Gyanvapi mosque in Varanasi, a political war of words broke out.
The Bharatiya Janata Party, which is currently in power in Uttar Pradesh, celebrated the news. However, Opposition leaders like Asaduddin Owaisi challenged the shivling claim.
The All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen chief said that the structure at Gyanvapi was a fountain, not a shivling. Owaisi said, "'Baba' has not been found. Regarding the claim that a shivling has been found, the mosque committee has said that it is a fountain. Every mosque has such a fountain. The other important point is that the court-appointed commissioner did not approach the court. The petitioners' lawyer rushed to court and the judge issued an order. If there was a shivling, then the court-appointed commissioner should have said it."
The AIMIM chief also questioned the validity of the court order to seal the 'wuzu' pond where the alleged shivling was found. He said, "The court's order to seal the mosque area is in violation of the 1991 Act passed by Parliament. Read paragraph 83 of the Supreme Court's verdict in Babri Masjid-Ram Janmabhoomi title suit. SC said that the 1991 Act is part of the Constitution's basic structure."
In response, Keshav Prasad Maurya, deputy chief minister of UP, said, "When Congress was in power, it used to bring laws which exacerbate such issues. At that time, the Ram Janmabhoomi campaign was taking place. (The 1991 Act was implemented) to prevent similar campaigns elsewhere. A shivling has not emerged there because of a campaign. A court was hearing a case, and upon its orders, a survey was done. According to the survey report, Baba Vishwanath has been found there. We are all celebrating. Statements by the Muslim side, or other politicians who practice appeasement, should stop. The situation in UP is very good."
The official report of the court-mandated survey of the mosque was not known by May 16. The claim that a shivling has been found was made by one of the petitioners.
A Varanasi court is currently hearing petitions filed by some Hindu women seeking permission to pray regularly at the Shringar Gauri shrine situated at one of the walls of the masjid.
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