Authorities demolish the 40-year-old seminary after a complaint from BJP leader
Mohammad Alamullah | Clarion India
NEW DELHI — The demolition of a madrasa in the Uttar Pradesh city of Sitapur on Thursday has sparked outrage and ignited heated discussions in the region. The bulldozer action, carried out on the orders of Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM) Shikha Shukla, followed a complaint from BJP leader Ashish Chaudhary, and it has raised questions about the fairness of the administration’s approach.
The madrasa was constructed around 40 years ago by Wasim, son of Ahmed, and Samiuddin, son of Habib. According to reports, the madrasa was never officially registered and operated without recognition, raising concerns over its legal status. Despite multiple notices from the Mahmudabad Tehsil administration over the years, the madrasa continued to function until the recent bulldozer action.
The series of events that led to the demolition began when BJP sector in-charge Ashish Chaudhary submitted a memorandum to SDM Mahmudabad, calling for the removal of illegal encroachments. Chaudhary’s complaint, which specifically targeted the madrasa, demanded the clearing of what he described as “illegal occupation” on government land.
SDM Shikha Shukla, confirming the demolition, explained, “This illegal structure was built on the land of the government barn, and as per the court’s directions and the complaints from the villagers, the area has now been freed from this encroachment.”
The madrasa, despite being established several decades ago, had never been legally registered. According to locals, the madrasa had been serving the community for years. However, its lack of formal recognition had placed it in a precarious legal position. The case took a significant turn in 2018 when the court ordered the removal of the madrasa. However, due to various delays and a lack of decisive action from the authorities, the madrasa continued to operate.
Wasim, one of the founders of the madrasa, expressed frustration over the demolition, stating, “This madrasa has been here for over 40 years, serving the people. The government’s sudden action is unfair and unjust, especially when no alternative has been provided to us.”
Samiuddin, another founder, echoed these sentiments, saying, “We were never informed about any legal issues. The government should have worked with us to resolve the situation rather than demolishing the madrasa in such an aggressive manner.”
The bulldozer action has not gone unnoticed by the local community. Many villagers, particularly from the Muslim community, have criticised the government’s decision, viewing it as part of a broader pattern of targeting religious institutions associated with minorities. “Why is this happening only to our madrasa? Why doesn’t the government take similar action against illegal constructions in other areas?” questioned a resident, speaking on condition of anonymity.
Supporters of the action, however, argue that the demolition was necessary to maintain law and order. “Illegal encroachments, whether they involve religious structures or any other types of buildings, need to be removed,” said a local BJP worker. This is about following the law, and no one should be exempt from it.”
However, the demolition’s political undertones have not escaped notice. BJP leader Ashish Chaudhary, who spearheaded the complaint, has faced criticism for using the bulldozer action as a political tool. Critics argue that such actions could further inflame tensions between communities and foster an environment of distrust.
The use of bulldozers by the Uttar Pradesh government has become a highly controversial issue, particularly since the administration has carried out similar actions in several districts under the banner of anti-encroachment drives. Despite a Supreme Court ruling in 2022 that called for a halt to such demolitions, the Uttar Pradesh government has continued to push forward with the practice, arguing that it is necessary to tackle illegal encroachments and maintain public order.
The ongoing bulldozer campaign has led to accusations of discrimination, with opponents alleging that it disproportionately targets minority communities. “This is more than just an anti-encroachment drive; it has turned into a political tool aimed at intimidating and marginalising Muslims,” said a senior political analyst. “While no one is above the law, the selective use of bulldozer actions against certain groups raises concerns about fairness and justice.”
While the court had ruled for the removal of the madrasa in 2018, the delay in execution has led to questions about the effectiveness and consistency of judicial enforcement. “If the court had acted sooner, this situation might not have escalated to such an extent,” said a legal expert. “It’s important for the administration to ensure that court orders are implemented promptly and fairly.”
Looking ahead, there are concerns about the implications of this demolition for similar religious institutions in Uttar Pradesh. If the state continues to pursue bulldozer actions without transparently and fairly addressing the legal status of religious structures, it may lead to more unrest and allegations of religious discrimination.
