Rajesh Singhal’s statement has caused deep worry among Muslims, who say such threats are made only to provoke them and create fear during a sensitive court case
NEW DELHI – A senior Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader in Uttar Pradesh has made an open threat to demolish the historic Shahi Jama Masjid in Sambhal, saying it would be removed in the same way the Babri Masjid was pulled down. His statement has led to strong anger among Muslims, who are demanding immediate action against him.
BJP leader Rajesh Singhal said during a public event that the Jama Masjid stands on the site of a Harihar Temple, repeating a claim made by some Hindu groups. He added, “Just as the Babri Masjid was brought down for the Ram Temple, every brick of this place will also be taken out.”
Singhal has previously been the district president of Sambhal BJP and also the party’s candidate from Sambhal Assembly constituency.
Singhal’s remark has caused distress among local Muslims, who say such words are meant to create tension. A group of local residents spoke to reporters and said the ruling party gives space to hate-filled comments. One resident said, “They speak like this because they feel protected. This is meant to scare us and to keep the issue burning during elections.”
Shakeel Warsi, the lawyer representing the Sambhal Jama Masjid, strongly condemned the comment. He said, “Rajesh Singhal’s words are not only troubling, they insult the court. The case is still going on in the Allahabad High Court, and no one has the right to give such threats.”
The dispute over the Sambhal Jama Masjid is currently being heard in the Allahabad High Court. Hindu groups, including Mahant Rishiraj Giri and a group calling itself Harihar Sena, have claimed the mosque stands on a temple site.
Muslim leaders in Sambhal said such remarks are part of a pattern. One community member said, “These statements are made only to win Hindu votes. They try to stay in the news by dragging our places of worship into their politics.”
Another resident said, “We want peace. We want the court to decide. These threats are frightening, and they push society towards conflict.”
Community members have requested state authorities to file a case against Rajesh Singhal, saying that ignoring such threats sends a dangerous message. They also appealed to people of all faiths to avoid being misled by hatred.
For now, the matter rests with the Allahabad High Court, but the fear and worry among Muslims in Sambhal remain high after the BJP leader’s public threat.
