New Delhi, July 7 (IANS). Samajwadi Party (SP) MP Mohibullah Nadvi, while reacting to the alleged controversy related to offerings in Ram temple, appointment of Hindu members in Madhya Pradesh Waqf Board, changing the name of Jalalabad tehsil in Uttar Pradesh and various issues related to history, said that religious matters should be kept separate from politics and the law should be followed equally.
On the alleged controversy related to offerings in the Ram temple, Nadvi said that respect for Lord Ram is not limited to Hindu society only. Referring to the famous couplet of Allama Iqbal, he said that Lord Ram is an important symbol of Indian civilization. He said that if there are any allegations related to donations or offerings, they should be investigated impartially. He raised the question why the Enforcement Directorate (ED), Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) and other investigating agencies are not seen to be active in this case. He said that people have donated with faith in the name of Lord Ram, hence transparency is necessary in the entire matter.
On a question regarding accepting the resignations of Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust General Secretary Champat Rai and Trustee Anil Mishra, Nadvi said that all Indians should take religious matters seriously. According to him, no matter what religion or person a wrong action is, it should be considered wrong. He said that to move the country forward on the path of development, we will have to rise above communal disputes.
On the Uttar Pradesh government’s decision to change the name of Jalalabad tehsil of Shahjahanpur district to ‘Lord Parshuram Puri’, Nadvi claimed that a particular narrative has been created regarding history, which has increased the distance between Hindu and Muslim communities. He also said that conversion on the basis of greed or fear is not acceptable in Islam. He also claimed that the allegations regarding forced conversion of temples into mosques are not historically true.
On the issue of appointment of Hindu members in Madhya Pradesh Waqf Board, Nadvi said that interference of another community in the religious matters of any community is not appropriate. He alleged that despite his objections, the government implemented the relevant law, following which action was taken against several mosques. He said that adherence to the principles of the Constitution, rule of law and justice is essential for the unity, integrity and development of the country.
–IANS
SAK/AS