'Mentally Unstable': Saints React As Muslim Cleric Claims Maha Kumbh Being Held On Waqf Land

Last Updated:January 06, 2025, 09:08 IST

Saints slammed the Muslim cleric over his claims that Maha Kumbh mela was being organised on waqf land. Cleric had also asked Hindus to show "large-heartedness" and allow Muslims to run stalls in mela.

Muslim cleric claims Maha Kumbh mela being organised on waqf land (PTI Image)

A row erupted on Monday after a top Islamic cleric claimed that the Maha Kumbh in Prayagraj is being held on waqf land and asked the saints to show “large-heartedness like Muslims" and allow people from the community to set up stalls in the meal.

The remarks drew a response from the BJP which took a dig at the cleric, linking his reaction to the Waqf Amendment Bill pending in the Lok Sabha JPC.

What Did The Muslim Cleric Say?

Maulana Shahabuddin Razvi Barelvi, president of the All India Muslim Jamat, said that Muslims have always displayed a large heart, including “not grudging" over the alleged use of waqf land for the organisation of the Maha Kumbh starting January 13.

He further said that, in turn, there were repeated calls being made for Muslims to keep away from the Kumbh Mela.

“Such calls have indeed been made. The All India Akhara Parishad has asked not only for a ban on the entry of Muslims but also asked that no non-Sanatanis be given permission to set up stalls in the mela area. They have also asked devotees and attendees not to give any business to Muslims," Barelvi said in a video message.

Barelvi further said that such “narrow-mindedness" would have to be abandoned and they (Hindus) would have to display the same “large-heartedness that Muslims did". “They (Muslims) have not raised any objections over the 55 bigha of waqf land being used for the Kumbh", he said.

BJP Reacts

BJP leader Amit Malviya posted the video of the cleric on X and said that the Waqf law has become a problem for the Muslim clerics.

Saints Slam Cleric

Ravindra Puri Maharaj said that the cleric’s “mental state is not stable" as the land where Kumbh Mela is being held “belongs to Maa Ganga".

“His mental state is not stable; he should seek treatment at a good facility. Great sages have visited our place, and they can provide treatment for him. This entire land belongs to Mother Ganga, and he should refrain from making such remarks. I would advise him not to make such statements and stay within their limits and avoid engaging in politics," he said.

Spiritual leader Swami Deepankar expressed concerns over the Muslim cleric’s remarks and suggested him to avoid making such statements.

“I am astonished and concerned by the kind of statements being made, claiming ‘this land is ours, that land is ours.’ Why not issue a single notice declaring that everything belongs to you? This is what the Congress government has given—one through the Worship Act and another through the Waqf Board. How much more destruction will you bring? The world’s largest religious gathering, the Kumbh Mela, is approaching, and such statements should be avoided during such a sacred time," he said.

Prayagraj, India

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