The presence of Maharashtra’s powerful political figures has given rise to the speculations that the government is actively supporting efforts to redefine the shrine’s identity.
Team Clarion
MUMBAI — In a move that has intensified religious tensions, Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde and other top officials, entered the revered Haji Malang Dargah during Urs celebrations and led a Hindu religious ritual.
Shinde not only performed an aarti but also placed a saffron chadar inscribed with ‘OM’ and names of Hindu deities on the tomb—an act seen by critics as a deliberate provocation. The incident, captured on video and widely shared on social media, has drawn fierce backlash from the Muslim community and raised concerns about the state’s role in advancing a Hindutva agenda.
The presence of Maharashtra’s powerful political figures has led to the speculations that the government is actively supporting efforts to redefine the shrine’s identity. Footage from the event shows members of Hindutva groups waving saffron flags and chanting ‘Jai Shri Ram’ inside the dargah premises. Many attendees were dressed in saffron attire, raising alarm over the perceived attempt to communalise the religious site.
The Haji Malang Dargah, located atop Malang Gad hill in Thane district, has long been a symbol of religious harmony, attracting both Hindu and Muslim devotees. The dargah is believed to be the final resting place of Hazrat Haji Abdul Rahman, a revered Sufi saint who arrived in India in the 12th century. However, Hindu groups claim that the site was originally a Hindu temple dedicated to Machindranath, a deity of the Nathpanthi sect.
The dispute over the shrine dates back to 1817, with recurring claims from Hindutva groups that the dargah was forcefully converted from a Hindu religious site. Eknath Shinde himself reignited the controversy in January 2024, declaring his intent to ‘liberate’ the shrine for Hindus. “The beliefs about the liberation of Malanggad remain strong within your hearts. Eknath Shinde will not rest until he fulfils your wishes,” he said at a recent gathering of Hindu activists.
However, historical records, including the Gazetteers of Bombay Presidency (1882), clearly state that the shrine was established in honour of Haji Abdul Rahman, who settled on the hilltop with his followers in the 12th century. The Maharashtra government’s official website also recognises the site as Haji Malang Dargah.
The Muslim community has strongly condemned Shinde and Fadnavis’s actions, calling them a blatant attempt to alter the religious nature of the dargah. A member of the Dargah Committee stated, “This is a dargah, a place of worship for people of all faiths. Such attempts to change its religious significance are unacceptable.”
Social activist Imran Khan also criticised the event, saying, “This is an attempt to disturb peace and harmony. The authorities must take strict action to prevent such provocations in religious places.”
Several Muslim organisations have demanded a formal investigation into the incident, questioning why police officials remained silent spectators. One video clip circulating online shows a police officer observing the activities without intervening. “The administration’s silence is concerning. They must ensure that religious sentiments are not exploited for political gains,” said Maulana Mohammad Yusuf, a local cleric.
Hindutva organisations, on the other hand, have defended their presence at the dargah, reiterating their claim that it was originally a Hindu temple. A representative from a right-wing group stated, “This is a temple, and our ancestors worshipped here. We are reclaiming our heritage.”
A video from the event features the song ‘Hey Bhavani Shakti De, Malang Gad Ko Mukti De,’ adding to the religious and political undertones of the gathering. Many experts believe such actions are part of a broader strategy to communalise public spaces ahead of upcoming elections.
As tensions escalate, political and religious leaders have called for restraint. Journalist Sameer Shaikh remarked, “We must remember that India’s strength lies in its diversity. Religious sites should not become battlegrounds for political or sectarian disputes.”
The Maharashtra government is yet to release an official statement on the incident, but demands for an investigation continue to grow. Many fear that if immediate steps are not taken, the situation could lead to further unrest.
The Haji Malang Dargah has historically stood as a beacon of religious unity, welcoming devotees from different backgrounds. Local residents urge that this legacy should not be undermined by political agendas. “This place has always been a symbol of unity. Such incidents only create division,” said a concerned local.
As debates over the dargah’s religious identity continue, many hope for a peaceful resolution that upholds the spirit of India’s pluralistic heritage while preventing further communal discord.
