BJP Denies Claims of Mosque Demolition Amid Controversy in Delhi

BJP Responds to Mosque Demolition Allegations

In the Turkman Gate area of Delhi, a dispute has arisen following the demolition actions near the historic Faiz-e-Elahi Mosque. The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has firmly rejected accusations from opposition parties and critics claiming that the mosque was destroyed. BJP spokesperson Shahzad Poonawala targeted the opposition by sharing a video of a statement from the spokesperson of Pakistan's Foreign Ministry, labeling the opposition as part of a 'Rawalpindi alliance.' Poonawala dismissed these allegations as 'false, propaganda, and incitement,' asserting that the mosque has not suffered any damage.

This controversy stems from the Delhi Municipal Corporation's (MCD) initiative to remove unauthorized commercial structures, such as a diagnostic center and a wedding hall, near the mosque, following directives from the Delhi High Court. Delhi government ministers and police officials have repeatedly clarified that the mosque remains unharmed and is entirely secure. Minister Ashish Sood reassured reporters that the Faiz-e-Elahi Mosque is completely safe and has not been damaged in any way. Poonawala emphasized that it has become evident that a legitimate anti-encroachment operation was deliberately misrepresented as an attack on a religious structure.

He further stated that all false claims regarding the demolition of the Faiz-e-Elahi Mosque or targeting Muslims have been thoroughly debunked. He stressed that only illegal encroachments were removed under court orders. Poonawala accused the propaganda campaign of being premeditated rather than coincidental, asserting that this narrative was 'adopted and fully accepted by Pakistan,' raising questions about its origins. He remarked that it now appears that the direction and script of this narrative originated elsewhere, with the opposition merely echoing that script. He concluded by noting the clear 'coordination' between Pakistan and opposition leaders.