Gehlot questions Shah’s intent in demolition of Muslim religious sites along Rajasthan border

Flagging the demolition of Muslim religious sites in Rajasthan’s border areas adjoining Pakistan after Union Home Minister Amit Shah visited Bikaner in May, former Rajasthan Chief Minister and senior Congress leader Ashok Gehlot alleged that the demolitions appeared to be motivated solely by the objective of creating “political polarisation and disrupting the social fabric”.

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In a social media post tagging Mr. Shah, Mr. Gehlot alleged that “the government has begun identifying and demolishing religious sites belonging to the Muslim community in Rajasthan’s border areas adjoining Pakistan under the pretext of removing encroachments”. He claimed that “even historical religious sites that are several decades old are being targeted” as part of the ongoing action.

“This action, being carried out in a peaceful border region while specifically targeting one religion, appears to be motivated solely by the objective of creating political polarisation and disrupting the social fabric. This malicious action has generated intense anger among the local population. This sensitive and disturbing act deserves strong condemnation,” Mr. Gehlot said, questioning the intent behind the reported demolitions.

He has demanded an immediate stop to the demolitions. “The Ministry of Home Affairs should clarify its position on the matter, as maintaining peace, harmony, and security in border areas is also its constitutional responsibility,” he said.

The Congress leader stressed that the border regions, despite their diversity, have historically been free of communal discord. “Despite the presence of a diverse religious population in these sensitive areas along the India-Pakistan border, there has never been any communal tension in their history,” he said, adding that places of worship “are interconnected and enjoy deep reverence among all sections of society”. The “vocal opposition by local Hindus to this one-sided administrative action is itself a unique example of the deep communal harmony that exists here,” Mr. Gehlot said.