'What's the Difference With BJP': Shimla Mosque Row Triggers Congress Vs Congress War Of Words

The Congress vs Congress fight intensified over the Shimla Mosque row after top party leader Rashid Alvi questioned the difference between BJP and Congress if a mosque is being demolished in the state where his party holds the power.

He lambasted the Congress-led Himachal Pradesh government over inaction against those creating a ruckus demanding the demolition of an allegedly illegally constructed Sanjauli mosque.

“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?” Congress leader Rashid Alvi said.

He added, “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.”

Congress Minister Demands Probe

The Congress vs Congress fight intensified after Himachal Pradesh Minister and Congress leader Anirudh Singh alleged that a mosque in Shimla was constructed illegally.

Addressing the Himachal Pradesh Assembly, Singh demanded a probe into the construction of Shimla’s Sanjauli Masjid and highlighted the alleged illegal construction had led to tensions in the area.

Anirudh Singh, who serves as the Rural Development Minister, questioned if permission was sought from the administration before opening the mosque. “They started the construction without approval. It was an illegal structure. First, one floor was built, then the rest followed,” he said.

The alleged illegal construction of the mosque has been at the centre of a heated debate in Himachal Pradesh. Around 44 hearings in the court have already taken place in connection with the alleged illegal construction of the Mosque, but no final decision has been reached.

CM Sukhu Speaks on Shimla Mosque Row

Speaking exclusively to News 18, Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu maintained that the state government will every action to maintain a harmonious atmosphere.

He took note of the protests against the alleged illegal construction of the mosque and affirmed that no community is being harassed in the state.

“Such incidents should not happen,” he remarked adding that he has instructed all the ministers to not use such situation for political gain.