The political controversy surrounding the proposal to construct a Babri Masjid in West Bengal has drawn sharp criticism from prominent Muslim clerics. Maulana Sajid Rashidi questioned the initiative pushed by Humayun Kabir, asking why a mosque under that banner is being planned in Bengal when land in Ayodhya has already been officially granted under court orders. Rashidi extended an open offer to accompany Humayun Kabir directly to Ayodhya, stating that he is fully prepared to stand beside him and participate in laying the foundation stone on the court-mandated site.
Focus on the Allotted Land in Ayodhya
Articulating his stance on the unfolding dispute in West Bengal, Maulana Sajid Rashidi pressed the core question of why such a structure must be erected in Bengal at all. Rashidi urged Humayun Kabir to make use of the specific plot provided by the government in Ayodhya following the directives of the court. He emphasized that Kabir ought to commence construction on that very parcel of land. Rashidi offered his personal support, stating that he would travel to the designated location with him and gladly help lay the foundation of the mosque. According to him, utilizing the officially assigned land remains the most appropriate course of action, and political figures should refrain from stoking unnecessary public controversies.
Opposition to the Proposed December 6 Highway Blockade
Rashidi also addressed the threat issued to block NH-34 in West Bengal on December 6 over the mosque issue. Reaffirming his position, he stated that collective focus should stay on utilizing the plot already set aside for the mosque rather than staging aggressive street disruptions. He insisted that tensions around this matter must not be allowed to escalate further, urging leaders to prevent friction and preserve order rather than instigating widespread confrontations.
Condemnation of Assault in Prayagraj Over UGC Legislation
The cleric voiced intense anger over an incident in Prayagraj where a young man was slapped simply for raising questions regarding the UGC law. Terming the assault outright dictatorship, Rashidi stressed that in any democratic framework, every citizen possesses the constitutional right to question government policies and express dissent. Resorting to physical violence against an individual merely for asking a question is completely unacceptable, he asserted, demanding strict action against those responsible for the altercation. He further observed that fallout from the UGC law appears to be widening the distance between the BJP and upper-caste Hindus.
Criticism of Samajwadi Party Leadership Over Azam Khan
Addressing the arrest of Azam Khan by the ED shortly after securing bail, Maulana Rashidi turned his focus toward the Samajwadi Party, accusing it of failing to pursue Khan's legal battles with requisite seriousness. Rashidi raised direct questions about the role of Akhilesh Yadav, remarking that the SP leadership does not appear to be putting in genuine or sufficient effort toward securing Khan's freedom. He called upon the government to release Azam Khan and withdraw the cases registered against him. Noting that Khan is a senior leader of standing, Rashidi pointed out that even if irregularities existed concerning his university, such administrative issues could be effectively resolved through direct sit-down discussions rather than prolonged punitive measures.
