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Hindustan Times
27-04-2025
- Politics
- Hindustan Times
Rajasthan BJP expels ex-MLA Gyan Dev Ahuja after temple purification controversy
The ruling BJP in Rajasthan on Sunday expelled its former MLA Gyan Dev Ahuja, who was recently at the centre of temple "purification" controversy, from primary membership of the party. The action has been taken against Ahuja following a probe by BJP's disciplinary committee, a party order said. Also Read: Outrage as BJP leader 'purifies' Rajasthan temple after Dalit leader's visit BJP state president Madan Rathore has given orders to terminate Ahuja's primary membership of the party for "indiscipline", it said. Ahuja had sparked a controversy earlier this month after he sprinkled Ganga water at a Ram temple in Alwar to "purify" it following Congress leader Tikaram Jully attended a consecration ceremony there. Former chief minister Ashok Gehlot had termed Ahuja's act an "insult" to a Dalit. Also Read: State Minority Commission pulls up BMC for Jain temple demolition Earlier on Sunday, Ahuja appeared before the BJP's disciplinary committee to present his side. Later, talking to reporters, he said, "I have not done anything anti-Dalit." He claimed that the BJP has made a mistake by expelling him by falling prey to the propaganda of the Congress. Also Read: Lodha's protest against demolished Jain temple is a mere game: Aaditya Thackeray He accused senior Congress leaders, including its president Mallikarjun Kharge, of defamation and said that he will file a case regarding this. After the temple "purification" act, Ahuja had said that Congress leaders have "no moral authority" to attend such ceremonies as the party's leadership had questioned the existence of Lord Ram and "boycotted" the consecration ceremony in Ayodhya last year. He claimed that there was no "Dalit" angle to his act. The consecration ceremony at the Ram temple in a residential society of Alwar was held about 20 days ago on the occasion of Ram Navami and Leader of Opposition in Rajasthan Assembly Tikaram Jully was in attendance. Ahuja said that he took the step because of Congress leaders' view and approach towards lord Ram and not because of Jully being a Dalit. Jully had earlier said that it (Ahuja's act) was indicative of BJP's mentality towards Dalits. Gehlot had said that the incident reflects the BJP's "narrow mindedness" towards Dalits.
Hindustan Times
23-04-2025
- Politics
- Hindustan Times
State Minority Commission pulls up BMC for Jain temple demolition
MUMBAI: The State Minority Commission on Tuesday pulled up BMC officials for the hasty demolition of the 90-year-old Digambar Jain temple in Neminath Co-operative Housing Society, Vile Parle East, on April 16. The demolition happened within hours after the stay order from the city civil court ended. 'The BMC action was excessive. They should have given more time to vacate the premises after the stay order ended,' said Chetan Dedhia, vice-chairman of the Commission, who surveyed the site on Tuesday evening. The BMC action had led hundreds of members of the Jain community to undertake a silent protest march on the city's streets on April 19. As per the survey, the BMC team reached the spot at 10 am and started the demolition at 10.15am, although the details will be confirmed after watching the CCTV footage. 'The structure was situated inside a compound; it was not in any public space. There was no issue of the temple coming in the way of any development project. Then why did the BMC act so hastily?' questioned Pyare Khan, chairman of the Commission. On April 7, the city civil court had rejected the temple trust's plea against demolition. However, it granted interim protection from demolition for seven days for the Trust to file an appeal in HC, which expired on April 15, a day prior to the incident. Anil Shah, a trustee of the temple, demanded that strict action be taken against all the officials involved in the demolition. According to survey, the request for police protection was made by the BMC on April 4 when the stay order was in place. 'We are investigating if any more officials were involved and we will demand action against them,' Khan said. As per BMC records, the 2,200-sq-ft premises of the temple are categorised as a recreational ground. 'There are several discrepancies in the society, which is why it doesn't have a proper occupancy certificate,' said Swapnaja Kshirsagar, additional commissioner K East ward. 'We will issue notices to demolish all the illegal structures within the society in the next two days.' While devotees and Rashtrasant Muni Nilesh Chandra, president of the Mahaveer Mission Trust who led Saturday's protest, demanded that the temple be reconstructed, the Commission said, 'The decision on the reconstruction can be taken only by the Bombay high court. Till then, devotees can continue worshiping at the spot, but the land will continue to remain disputed.'
The Hindu
22-04-2025
- Politics
- The Hindu
Call to address concerns over private Haj pilgrimage
The Madin Academy here on Tuesday held its 26th State-level Haj camp, bringing together hundreds of pilgrims from across the State to prepare for their upcoming pilgrimage to Makkah. Haj Committee Chairman Husain Saqafi Chullikkode inaugurated the camp. Madin Academy Chairman Syed Ibrahim Khaleel Bukhari presided over the function. Mr. Bukhari asked the government to address the concerns being raised over private Haj groups in the country. He said facilities should be provided to all pilgrims by holding discussions with the Saudi Arabian authorities. Haj scholar Koottampara Abdurahman Darimi led the class with the backup of miniature Ka'ba model. Scholar Ibrahim Baqavi Melmuri answered the questions from the participants. Syed Ismail Bukhari, Syed Mohammed Farook Jamalullaili, Syed Swalih Kasim Hydrusi, State Minority Commission member A. Saifudheen Haji, Haj Committee members M.S. Anas Haji, Moideen Kutty, P.T. Akbar and Ashkar Korad, and Haj Committee trainers Mujeeb Rahman, Dahar Mohammed and Jaleel Saqafi spoke. Haj kits were distributed to the participants. The event also saw the release of the new edition of a book on Haj written by Khalid Saqafi, which serves as a comprehensive guide for pilgrims throughout their journey. Madin Academy provided stay and food for the participants from distant places. A 1,001-member Madin voluntary corps with experience in Haj service helped the participants. Madin Academy started a Haj helpdesk offering ongoing support to the pilgrims. Haj scholar Ibrahim Baqavi is heading the desk. Pilgrims can clear their doubts about various aspects of Haj through WhatsApp: 9656424078, 8606631350.
