The minority wing of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) revealed plans on Tuesday to illuminate 1,200 dargahs and mosques across India with earthen lamps (diyas) in anticipation of the consecration ceremony of the idol Ram inside the Ram Temple in Ayodhya on January 22.
The initiative, named ‘Deepotsav,’ is scheduled to take place from January 12 to 22, as reported by India Today.
Yaser Jilani, the convenor of the BJP minority wing, was quoted saying, “We have identified 1,200 small/big mosques, dargahs, and other Muslim religious sites across the country where we will light diyas. Thirty-six locations (including dargahs and prominent mosques) have been identified in Delhi, such as the Jamia Masjid and Nizamuddin Dargah.”
On December 30, during his Ayodhya visit, Narendra Modi urged people to light diyas in their homes on January 22, declaring it as a ‘nationwide Diwali’. He also called for cleanliness drives at pilgrimage sites and temples across the country from January 14 to January 22.
State presidents of the BJP’s minority wing have been directed to organise ‘Deepotsav’ and promote the message of brotherhood. Jilani said, “Our sole objective is to be part of this grand ceremony.”
“The ‘Pran Pratishtha’ (consecration) ceremony of Lord Ram is the most significant event of the century. The entire nation is rejoicing in the construction of the Ram Temple. Various programs are being organized, and we are also contributing our share,” he was quoted further saying.
Jilani criticized All India United Democratic Front (AIUDF) chief Badaruddin Ajmal on Tuesday for advising members of the Muslim community to stay indoors between January 20-25. Jilani described Ajmal’s mindset as “demonic” and accused him of creating obstacles with such declarations.
However, board members of both the Jamia Masjid and the Nizamuddin Dargah have denied knowledge of any such plans.
“Nothing of this sort is planned at Jama Masjid, nor have we been approached for this,” Syed Ahmed Bukhari, Shahi Imam of the Jama Masjid told The Quint.
Meanwhile, Peerzada Altamash Nizami, joint secretary of the Nizamuddin Auliya Dargah’s management committee, told the website that the Dargah doesn’t have a culture of holding political events.
“The Nizamuddin Dargah has never had political events. Anyone of any faith and political leaning is welcome to come and pray here, but there are no political events here. And we have not been approached for any such lighting of lamps for the Ram Mandir either,” Nizami told The Quint.
