Latest news with #SalimRaj
The Hindu
7 days ago
- Politics
- The Hindu
Chhattisgarh Waqf board directs mosques, dargahs to hoist tricolour on I-Day
All mosques and madrasas in Chhattisgarh have been directed by the State's Waqf Board to hoist the national flag on the occasion of Independence Day. The board's chairman Salim Raj said that the exercise would determine 'who loves the country and who doesn't'. Mr. Raj said a letter was issued on Monday to all mutawallis (caretakers) in this regard, saying the tricolour is 'a symbol of honour and pride' which is not linked to any religion. The letter addressed to the mutawallis said, 'Under the above subject, it is informed that our 78th Independence Day will be celebrated on 15th August 2025 this year. On the auspicious occasion of this national festival, the national flag should be hoisted at the main gate of all mosques/madrasas/dargahs situated in Chhattisgarh. Understand the importance of Independence Day and maintain the dignity of this occasion by showing patriotism, mutual unity and brotherhood.' On the need to issue such an order, Mr. Raj said, during his discussion with some mutawallis, they refused to hoist the tricolour. Above religion' 'Respecting the tricolour is above any religion. They had a problem in hoisting the tricolour and we were compelled to issue the order that flag hoisting should be done in front of the main entry of every mosque and in the presence of the Imam, mutawalli or mosque committee members,' the Waqf Board chairman said. He added that those who did not love the tricolour and the country, had no 'right to live on the land of Bharat Mata'. 'This will make it clear that people who loved the country were different from religious fundamentalists,' he added.
&w=3840&q=100)
First Post
12-08-2025
- Politics
- First Post
Independence Day 2025: Chhattisgarh Waqf Board makes flag hoisting mandatory for Mosques and Madrasas
The Chhattisgarh State Waqf Board has directed all mosques, dargahs, and madrasas across the state to hoist the national flag on August 15, marking the 78th Independence Day. The Chhattisgarh State Waqf Board has directed all mosques, dargahs and madrasas across the state to hoist the national flag on the occasion of Independence Day on August 15. The State Waqf Board chairman, Dr Salim Raj, said a letter was issued on Monday to all mutawallis (those responsible for managing Waqf properties) in this regard, saying the tricolour is 'a symbol of honour and pride' which is not linked to any religion. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD 'This year, our 78th Independence Day will be celebrated on August 15. On this national festival, the tricolour should be hoisted at the main gate of all mosques, madrasas, and dargahs in Chhattisgarh. Understand the importance of Independence Day and maintain its dignity by fostering patriotism, unity and brotherhood,' the board stated in the letter to the mutawallis of mosques, dargahs and madrasas. Some mosques and madrasas do not hold flag-hoisting ceremonies. Respect for the tricolour is above every religion, Raj said. There should be no objection to hoisting it. Therefore, an order had to be issued, he added. Flag hoisting should be done in the presence of the Imam, mutawalli or mosque committee members, he said. 'Those who do not love the tricolour and the country do not have right to live on the land of Bharat Mata. If anyone refuses, it will be clear who loves the country and who harbours fundamentalist thinking,' Raj remarked.
Indian Express
12-08-2025
- Politics
- Indian Express
‘Opportunity to prove Indian Muslims love Tricolour': Chhattisgarh Waqf Board chief asks mosques to hoist flag on Independence Day
Chhattisgarh Waqf Board chairman Salim Raj has issued a circular asking all mosques, madrasas and dargahs in the state to hoist the Tricolour outside their main gates on August 15 as a mark of patriotism, unity and brotherhood on the occasion of Independence Day. While over 70% of mosques, madrasas and dargahs have given a positive response, some have objected, Raj said. The circular issued on Monday to all mosques, madrasas and dargahs said, 'On the auspicious occasion of this national festival, the national flag should be hoisted at the main gate of all mosques/madrasas/dargahs situated in Chhattisgarh state. Understand the importance of Independence Day and maintain the dignity of this occasion by showing patriotism, mutual unity and brotherhood.' Asked why Raj, a BJP leader, felt the need to issue such a circular and whether it was his party's idea, he said, 'No, it was my own idea. The Har Ghar Tiranga (Tricolour in every home) campaign is underway, so what is the problem in hoisting the Indian flag outside religious places? The patriotism of Muslims in India was being doubted, but Indian Muslims love their country. However, they were being doubted due to Pakistani Muslims… So, it is an opportunity to prove that Indian Muslims love the Tricolour and the country, and to clear any doubts. Also, we said the flag can be hoisted outside the main gate.' For a week now, Raj has been discussing the matter with Mutwallis. 'Several hundreds of mosques and dargahs said they would hoist the flag, while some are objecting to it. The 1857 uprising was for our freedom when everyone fought together. The flag is about freedom and not religion,' he said. 'Flag hoisting is a symbol of our respect and pride. The ones who do not love the country and the Tricolour… such people have no right to live on the land of mother Bharat,' he said.
New Indian Express
12-08-2025
- Politics
- New Indian Express
Chhattisgarh Waqf Board directs mosques to hoist tricolour on Aug 15; says those who refuse are 'fundamentalists'
RAIPUR: The Chhattisgarh State Waqf Board has directed all mosques, dargahs and madrasas across the state to hoist the national flag on the occasion of Independence Day on August 15. The State Waqf Board chairman, Dr Salim Raj, said a letter was issued on Monday to all mutawallis (those responsible for managing Waqf properties) in this regard, saying the tricolour is "a symbol of honour and pride" which is not linked to any religion. "This year, our 78th Independence Day will be celebrated on August 15. On this national festival, the tricolour should be hoisted at the main gate of all mosques, madrasas, and dargahs in Chhattisgarh. Understand the importance of Independence Day and maintain its dignity by fostering patriotism, unity and brotherhood," the board stated in the letter to the mutawallis of mosques, dargahs and madrasas.
New Indian Express
12-08-2025
- Politics
- New Indian Express
Chhattisgarh Waqf Board asks masjids, madrasas, dargahs to hoist national flag on Independence Day
RAIPUR: The Chhattisgarh State Waqf Board, in a first-of-its-kind circular, had announced that the Tricolour will be mandatorily hoisted at every mosque, dargah and madrasa across the state during the 79th Independence Day celebrations. According to the formal directive issued by the Waqf Board, the national flag will be unfurled at the main entrance of all mosques, dargahs and madarsas on August 15, symbolising gesture of patriotism that Indian Muslims strongly nurture with their motherland India, have deep respect for the Tricolour and stand united to mark the celebration of the country's freedom. "Independence Day is our national festival and the Muslim minority should be seen to observe it with fervour. Indian Muslims have always been patriots who love their country. Owing to the misdeeds of a few, why should the entire community be subject to suspicion or scrutiny? The initiative will prove beyond doubt the wholehearted loyalty of the Muslim community towards Bharat where we all live in harmony", the Waqf Board chairman Salim Raj told The New Indian Express.
