First Friday Prayers Under Strict Security at Delhi Race Course Mosque Amid Ongoing Row and Preservation Efforts Friday prayers are set to be held today, October 23, 2026, amid a raging dispute over the mosque located in Delhi's Race Course area near the Prime Minister's residence. Political leaders and religious organizations have stepped in, urging central intervention while security remains tight. In the wake of a fresh controversy surrounding the mosque located in Delhi's sensitive Race Course area, all eyes are fixed on today's Friday prayers, scheduled for October 23, 2026. The congregational prayer at the mosque is timed for 1:30 PM. Situated in close proximity to the Prime Minister's official residence, the approach roads leading to the religious site have been heavily guarded by local police personnel and paramilitary forces. Keeping the prevailing situation in mind, robust security arrangements have been put in place to ensure that public order and peace are thoroughly maintained. Imam's Allegations and Utility Disconnections The entire controversy came to light when the imam of the Race Course mosque, Maulana Haroon, alleged that an official from the Land and Development Office verbally instructed him on October 17 to vacate the premises within a span of six days. The imam maintained that the mosque is officially registered as a Waqf property and has never faced any ownership disputes in the past. Maulana Haroon further alleged that the electricity and water supplies to the mosque were abruptly cut off on October 7, forcing them to rely on a generator to meet basic utility needs. He added that restrictions fluctuate arbitrarily, with worshippers sometimes allowed entry and barred at other times. The imam has strongly appealed that no coercive action should be taken against the mosque. Political Engagement and Administrative Clarifications Following the emergence of the dispute, political activity surrounding the issue gained significant momentum. Aam Aadmi Party leader Amanatullah Khan stated that the historic Race Course mosque in Delhi is completely safe and will remain safe. He further noted that he held discussions regarding the mosque today with senior officials, including the CEO of the Delhi Waqf Board, L&DO, and NDMC. Meanwhile, when media outlets reached out to the Land and Development Office, internal sources clarified that no formal notice has been served to the mosque. Addressing rumors of a verbal eviction order, sources stated that the L&DO has no official knowledge of any such verbal instructions. Religious Bodies and Leaders Demand Central Intervention As news of the controversy spread, prominent political figures and community organizations weighed in on the matter, calling for central government intervention. AIMIM President Asaduddin Owaisi and Kashmiri leader Mirwaiz Umar Farooq both expressed concern and urged central authorities to step in. Additionally, a delegation from the prominent Islamic organization Jamiat Ulema-e-Hind met with Union Minority Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju on Monday to seek his intervention in the dispute. All India Imams Association President Maulana Sajid Rashidi has also met with officials at the Delhi Waqf Board alongside other religious leaders to discuss the matter and seek a resolution. What this means for you The ongoing controversy surrounding the mosque in Delhi's Race Course area has direct practical implications for local residents and those attending Friday prayers. • Across India: The sensitive issue has triggered nationwide discussions among religious and political circles, drawing close attention to administrative land policies. Delegations are actively engaging with central ministers and board officials to seek policy clarity and ensure communal harmony. • In Delhi: The heavy deployment of police and paramilitary forces near the Prime Minister's residence has resulted in strict security checks and restricted movement for commuters in the vicinity. Authorities have maintained heightened vigilance in the area specifically in view of today's afternoon congregational prayers. Why this happened The dispute materialized after the mosque's imam reported receiving a verbal eviction instruction from land officials alongside the sudden disconnection of essential utility services on the premises. These developments escalated due to underlying administrative tensions regarding property registration and official land jurisdiction. • Verbal Eviction Claim: According to Imam Maulana Haroon, a Land and Development Office official directed him on October 17 to vacate the site within six days, triggering immediate concern. • Utility Disconnection: The cutting off of electricity and water supplies on October 7 forced the management to rely on generators, severely exacerbating local anxieties. • Administrative Denial: Internal sources within the Land and Development Office have firmly denied serving any formal notice, stating they have no official record of verbal eviction orders. • Community and Political Response: The swift mobilization of political leaders and religious organizations to meet with central authorities reflects widespread anxiety over the status of the historic site. Questions & Answers 1. What is the scheduled time for Friday prayers at the Race Course mosque? The congregational Friday prayer at the mosque is scheduled for 1:30 PM. 2. Who allegedly gave the verbal eviction order and when? According to Imam Maulana Haroon, a Land and Development Office official verbally told him on October 17 to vacate the mosque within six days. 3. When were the electricity and water supplies cut off at the mosque? The imam stated that the electricity and water supplies to the premises were disconnected on October 7. 4. What is the stance of the Land and Development Office regarding the notice? Sources from the L&DO clarified that no notice has been served to the mosque and they have no information regarding any verbal orders. 5. Which delegation met Union Minister Kiren Rijiju regarding the issue? A delegation representing the Muslim organization Jamiat Ulema-e-Hind met Union Minority Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju on Monday. https://trendkia.com/en/delhi/delhi-ke-race-course-masjida-vivada-ke-saye-men-aja-jume-ki-pahali-namaja-suraksha-ke-kare-intajama-aura-bachava-ki-koshishen-jari-50748 TrendKia — Har trend, sabse pehle.