AIMIM Leader Criticizes MCD Demolition Near Faiz-e-Elahi Mosque
Asaduddin Owaisi, the AIMIM leader, has condemned the MCD's demolition actions near the Faiz-e-Elahi Mosque, citing procedural errors and the loss of Waqf property. He argues that the Delhi Waqf Board should have been involved in the court proceedings and emphasizes the historical significance of the land. The demolition operation led to stone-pelting incidents, resulting in minor injuries to police officers. Owaisi also expressed shock over the denial of bail for Umar Khalid and Sharjeel Imam, contrasting it with the bail granted to other individuals involved in related cases. This situation highlights ongoing tensions surrounding land disputes and community rights in Delhi.
| Jan 7, 2026, 17:39 IST
AIMIM's Response to Demolition Actions
The leader of the All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM), Asaduddin Owaisi, expressed strong disapproval on Wednesday regarding the demolition carried out by the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) near the Faiz-e-Elahi Mosque at Turkman Gate. He accused the authorities of procedural errors and the destruction of Waqf property. In his remarks to a news agency, Owaisi emphasized that the entire land in question is Waqf property, referencing a decision made by the Delhi High Court on November 12. He noted the surprising involvement of a petitioner linked to the RSS, the Save India Foundation, who approached the court. The court ordered a survey but did not include the Waqf as a party in the proceedings.
Further Comments on the Waqf Board's Role
Owaisi further stated that the Delhi Waqf Board should have been made a party in this case and should have filed a review petition in court. He argued that the court made an erroneous decision. He highlighted the historical roots of the land dispute, asserting, "It is crucial to note that this site was a mosque in 1947. The law passed by Parliament in 1991, the Places of Worship Act, has been disregarded. The Waqf has suffered damage. What has occurred is unjust. The Delhi Waqf Board and its management committee should approach the Supreme Court to present all facts and restore the status quo."
Following the Delhi High Court's order, the MCD initiated a demolition drive early on January 7, 2026, targeting encroachments near the Faiz-e-Elahi Mosque, Turkman Gate, and Ramleela Maidan. During this operation, incidents of stone-pelting were reported. The Delhi Police indicated that approximately 25-30 individuals allegedly threw stones at police and MCD officials, leading to the detention of five people. According to DCP (Central) Nidhin Valsan, five police officers sustained minor injuries and were treated at a nearby hospital. The police noted that prior coordination meetings had been held with local stakeholders, including the Aman Committee, but "some troublemakers" attempted to disrupt the peace.
Owaisi's Reaction to Bail Denials
Separately, Owaisi commented on the denial of bail for Umar Khalid and Sharjeel Imam, stating, "It is astonishing and shocking that both have been denied bail." This statement came after the Supreme Court granted bail to Gulfiya Fatima, Miran Haider, Shifa Ur Rahman, Mohammad Saleem Khan, and Shadab Ahmed, while denying relief to Khalid and Imam in connection with the alleged conspiracy related to the 2020 Northeast Delhi riots.