Shiv Sena and BJP oppose temporary restrictions near historic Eidgah, prompting police alert and urgent meetings to prevent communal disturbance
KALYAN — Tension gripped the city of Kalyan in Maharashtra’s Thane District ahead of Eid Al-Adha after a long-standing dispute related to the historic Eidgah and the adjoining contentious mazaar/temple resurfaced once again, leading to heightened political activity and increased police vigilance in the area.
As preparations for Bakrid prayers continue among the Muslim community, Hindutva organisations and political parties have intensified their opposition to temporary restrictions imposed for the Eid prayers. The issue, which has surfaced repeatedly over the years, has now taken a sharper political turn with active involvement from both Shiv Sena factions and the BJP.
According to long-standing arrangements followed by the administration, temporary restrictions are imposed for a limited period during Eid prayers to manage crowds and maintain law and order around the Eidgah and the nearby temple premises. Officials say the measures are precautionary and aimed at preventing any untoward incident during large religious gatherings.
However, several Hindutva organisations and political leaders have objected to these restrictions, arguing that devotees should not face limitations while entering the temple. Political groups have warned that if restrictions are imposed again this year, they will gather near the temple on Eid day and organise programmes including “Ghanta Naad” protests and collective recitation of Hanuman Chalisa.
With the situation becoming increasingly sensitive, Deputy Commissioner of Police Atul Zende called an urgent meeting with representatives of political parties and concerned groups to prevent any possible confrontation and maintain peace in the city.
Sources present at the meeting said heated arguments took place as leaders from different political organisations strongly defended their respective positions. Shiv Sena (Uddhav faction) deputy leader Vijay Salvi criticised the government and said it was unfortunate that even under governments claiming to support Hindutva, Hindu devotees were allegedly being forced to raise their voice for temple access.
Meanwhile, leaders from the ruling Shiv Sena (Shinde faction), including city president Ravi Patil, also questioned why restrictions were imposed only during Hindu religious access near the Eidgah area. They demanded a permanent administrative solution to avoid recurring disputes every year.
Police officials, however, have issued a strict warning to all organisations and political groups, stating that nobody will be allowed to take the law into their own hands. Authorities said maintaining peace and preventing communal disturbance remains the top priority, and any attempt to provoke tension or disturb harmony will invite strict legal action.
Additional police deployment has already been arranged in sensitive parts of the city as a precautionary measure ahead of Eid Al-Adha celebrations.
Residents pointed out that devotees visit the temple throughout the year without restrictions and that temporary curbs are imposed only for a short duration during Eid prayers twice annually to manage crowd movement and avoid any law and order complications.
With political rhetoric increasing and religious sensitivities involved on both sides, the administration is now under pressure to ensure peaceful celebrations and prevent the situation from escalating into communal tension.
