On Friday, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath asserted that structures embroiled in disputes should not be referred to as mosques, as doing so might discourage people from visiting them.
Speaking at an event organized by Aaj Tak in Prayagraj, he remarked, “The day we stop calling it a mosque, people will stop going there.”
He emphasized that constructing mosque-like structures in a way that hurts religious sentiments is inconsistent with Islamic principles, adding, “Worship at such sites is not acceptable to God too.”
Adityanath further commented on religious practices, claiming that Islam does not require specific structures for worship, unlike Sanatan Dharma, which places importance on temples.
His remarks come amid ongoing legal disputes by Hindu groups challenging the ownership of certain mosques and dargahs.
The Supreme Court, on December 12, intervened in such cases, barring lower courts from issuing judgments on lawsuits concerning the religious nature of places of worship.
The court also prohibited new cases until it reviews the 1991 Places of Worship Act, which maintains the religious character of any site as it was on August 15, 1947.
Adityanath argued against insisting on labeling disputed structures as mosques, urging a focus on unity and moving beyond historical conflicts.
“Sanatanis go to temples for worship; it is not the same for Islamic practices,” he said, advocating for a harmonious and forward-looking vision for India.
The Chief Minister also addressed controversies surrounding the upcoming Mahakumbh Mela in Prayagraj, scheduled to start on January 13.
Rejecting claims that the event was being held on Waqf Board land, Adityanath stated, “The Mahakumbh Mela has been held on this land for thousands of years.”
The Mahakumbh Mela, a significant Hindu pilgrimage held every 12 years, takes place at four riverbanks, including Prayagraj.
Regarding allegations of Waqf Board ownership, he questioned whether such claims were legitimate or part of land-grabbing attempts.
He condemned these “malicious tendencies” and warned of strict actions against those staking false claims.