Mayawati Urges Govt and SC to Address Controversy Over Jama Masjid in Sambhal

GG News Bureau
Lucknow, 22nd Nov. Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) president Mayawati on Friday appealed to both the government and the Supreme Court to take cognizance of the growing controversy surrounding the Jama Masjid in Uttar Pradesh’s Sambhal district.

In a post on ‘X’, Mayawati expressed concern over the ongoing debate, stating, “The news of the sudden controversy, hearing, and hasty survey regarding the Shahi Jama Masjid of Sambhal district of UP is dominating national discussions and media headlines.”

She further urged, “But the government and the honourable Supreme Court must also take cognizance of spoiling the harmony and atmosphere in this way.”

The controversy stems from a survey of the Jama Masjid, which was conducted on Tuesday following the orders of a Sambhal district court. The petitioners claim that the mosque was built by demolishing a temple. Advocate Vishnu Shankar Jain, who filed the petition, stated that the Civil Judge (Senior Division) directed the formation of an ‘Advocate Commission’ to carry out the survey, including videography and photography, and submit a report.

Jain also raised concerns over the temple’s significance, asserting that “Harihar temple in Sambhal is the center of our faith,” and emphasized that the area is protected by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI). He further claimed that there had been attempts by Babur in 1529 to destroy the temple and convert it into a mosque.

The controversy has sparked tension in the region, with calls for a careful examination of historical and legal factors. Mayawati’s statement emphasizes the need for the situation to be handled delicately to maintain peace and harmony in the area.