Just one week before the Maha Kumbh Mela begins in Prayagraj, a controversy has arisen following claims by a Muslim cleric that the event is being held on land owned by the Waqf Board. Maulana Shahabuddin Razvi Barelvi, the president of the All India Muslim Jamat, has asserted that 55 bighas of Waqf land are being utilized for the Hindu religious gathering.
In a video message, Barelvi acknowledged the generosity of the Muslim community in Prayagraj, who, he said, had allowed the Kumbh Mela to take place on Waqf land. He called on Hindus to reciprocate by permitting Muslims to enter the Kumbh Mela. He also criticized the All India Akhara Parishad’s demand to restrict entry to non-Hindus at the event.
Barelvi remarked, “The Akhara Parishad, Naga Sanyasis, swamis, and babas have called for banning Muslims from the Kumbh Mela. On the other hand, a Muslim named Sartaz from Prayagraj has pointed out that the land used for Kumbh preparations belongs to the Waqf, and it is owned by local Muslims. Yet, despite this, Muslims have shown great tolerance by not objecting to the 55 bighas of Waqf land being used for the Mela.” He further stated that while Muslims have demonstrated tolerance, some Hindu groups are showing intolerance by denying Muslims entry into the Kumbh Mela.
WATCH | The 54 Bigha land where the #Mahakumbh Mela is being held in #Prayagraj belongs to the #WAQF board, claims Maulana Shahabuddin Razvi, a Barelvi cleric. pic.twitter.com/lGWIBM8Iko
— Organiser Weekly (@eOrganiser) January 5, 2025
Additionally, there are local Muslim claims that the K.C. Pant Institute in Prayagraj, where the Kumbh Archive Center has been established, is also Waqf property.
Maulana Barelvi’s comments, however, have drawn strong criticism from BJP leaders. Union Minister Giriraj Singh condemned the remarks, calling them an attempt to provoke Hindus and incite communal tensions. He emphasized that the Kumbh Mela predates the birth of Islam and is a deeply respected cultural and religious tradition. “Such statements are aimed at provoking Hindus,” Singh said, also questioning the silence of political leaders like Rahul Gandhi, Uddhav Thackeray, Lalu Prasad Yadav, and Akhilesh Yadav, implying that their silence might suggest an endorsement of such divisive comments.
Singh accused radical elements of distorting historical and cultural facts to disrupt India’s harmony. “The Kumbh Mela is not just a religious event; it is a cultural heritage of India, respected around the world,” he added.
BJP leader Amit Malviya also shared the video of Barelvi’s comments on social media, criticizing the cleric’s statements and suggesting that the Waqf law had become a growing problem.
Hindu leaders have rejected Barelvi’s claims. Hindu Mahasabha President Swami Chakrapani Maharaj strongly condemned the cleric, stating that Barelvi must be backed by forces like Pakistan and others with a “terrorist mindset.” He accused the cleric of attempting to disrupt the Maha Kumbh and called for an investigation into his remarks. “Immediate action should be taken against people who spread such divisive rhetoric. An FIR should be lodged, and they should be arrested to maintain peace,” he said.
The Maha Kumbh, a massive religious event of Hindus, attracts millions of devotees from around the world. This year, it is taking place after 12 years, and the main bathing rituals, known as Shahi Snan (royal baths), will occur on 14 January (Makar Sankranti), 29 January (Mauni Amavasya), and 3 February (Basant Panchami). The Kumbh area is divided into 25 sectors, with 14 of them located in Jhunsi, approximately 9 kilometers from the city of Prayagraj.
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