Reacting to the debate over the Gyanvapi mosque, Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav said on Tuesday, 17 May, that such issues were being stirred up by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) itself or by their aides because they didn't have answers on the economy.
"Fuel and food amenities are getting expensive. They don't have answers on inflation and unemployment. BJP has a hate calendar to bring up such issues until elections," the SP chief said, as per ANI.
The Supreme Court on Tuesday had issued notice on pleas challenging the orders of a district court regarding the Gyanvapi mosque in Varanasi.
The court also passed an interim order saying that while the area within the mosque where an alleged Shivling was said to have been found should be protected, Muslims must not be restricted from entering and praying in the mosque.
"When we witness such debates, we don't know what property of the country has been sold. BJP gave a slogan of 'One Nation One Ration', but it seems they're working for 'One Nation One Businessman'," Yadav further said.
'Hope Supreme Court Will Do Justice': AIMIM Chief
Meanwhile, All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM) chief Asaduddin Owaisi said that he was hopeful that the Supreme Court would do complete justice regarding the Gyanvapi mosque as "grave procedural unfairness" had taken place when the Allahabad High Court was hearing the matter.
"Commissioner didn't give report to lower court judge, petitioner moved application, and before notice was given to the Muslim side, the judge passed an order to protect the area and limit namazis to 20," Owaisi said, as per ANI.
He added, "The order is unfair, we hope the SC will completely stay the order and recognise unfairness in ignoring the 1991 Places of Worship Act, Allahabad HC order and sealing it without hearing the other party. The order of the trial court was wrong, unfair and illegal."
Owaisi further said that the Supreme Court order states that Muslims are allowed religious observance such as wazu in the mosque and slammed the BJP for encouraging riots in the country.
He said, "SC order states that Muslims are allowed religious observance which means we can perform wazu there. It's a fountain. If it happens like this then all the fountains of the Taj Mahal must be shut down. BJP wants to take the country back to 1990s when riots ensued."
Govt Diverting Attention From Inflation, Unemployment: Mayawati
Meanwhile, Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) chief Mayawati said on Wednesday that the BJP is conspiring to provoke people's sentiments and are targeting a particular community to divert attention from other issues such as unemployment and inflation.
A press note released by her stated, "Religious places here are being targeted by the BJP and its associates to divert attention from unemployment, skyrocketing inflation, and other issues. This is not hidden from anyone. The situation here can deteriorate any time."
She claimed that years after independence, people's religious sentiments are being instigated as part of a larger conspiracy, under the pretext of Gyanvapi, Mathura, Taj Mahal, and other places.
She said, "The way in which people's religious beliefs are being instigated will not strengthen the country but will weaken it further. BJP must take note of this."
Mayawati pointed out that the names of several religious places have been renamed which will not promote peace and communal harmony but instead, it will definitely spark violence and hatred between communities.
The Supreme Court is scheduled to hear the matter next on Thursday.
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