Ajmer- A legal petition alleging the existence of a Shiva temple within the Ajmer Sharif Dargah has prompted significant judicial and political attention, with a Rajasthan court issuing notices to key government authorities.
The petition, filed by Vishnu Gupta, National President of the Hindu Sena, claims a Sankat Mochan Mahadev temple existed at the Dargah site. Civil Judge Manmohan Chandel deemed the petition admissible and issued notices to the Ministry of Minority Affairs, Dargah Committee, and Archaeological Survey of India (ASI), scheduling the next hearing for December 20.
BJP leaders responded with measured support for the judicial process:
Union Minister Giriraj Singh provocatively commented, "When a Hindu files a petition and the court accepts it, what's the problem? The Mughals destroyed our temples, and if such historical actions were addressed earlier, there would be no need for such petitions today."
BJP MP Arun Govil adopted a more cautious stance, stating, "The court has taken cognizance. Let's await its decision before discussing the matter further."
BJP MP Dinesh Sharma stressed the impartiality of the judicial system, asserting, "No one should question court decisions, as they are made after thorough consideration."
BJP MLA Ravi Kishan echoed this sentiment, emphasizing, "We should bow to the court's notice and respect the judicial process."
The petition references a 1911 book by retired judge Har Bilas Sarda, which claims temple debris was used in constructing the Dargah. Gupta points to architectural elements on the Buland Darwaza as evidence of Hindu traditions, urging an ASI investigation.
The Dargah Committee has strongly rejected these claims. Syed Sarwar Chishti, secretary of Anjuman Syed Jadgan, defended the Dargah as a symbol of unity, criticizing the petition as potentially harmful to communal harmony.
The 38-page plea includes historical references and architectural comparisons, drawing parallels with other disputed religious sites like Bhojshala in Madhya Pradesh and Kashi in Uttar Pradesh.
As the legal process unfolds, the petition calls for a comprehensive ASI-led survey of the Dargah premises, focusing on the 75-foot-high Buland Darwaza and alleged historical worship sites.
The case continues to generate significant political and social discussion, with the court's upcoming hearing expected to provide further clarity on this sensitive issue.
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