Waseem Rizvi, the Shia Waqf Board Chairman, voiced his concern about Ram Temple construction dispute. As a supporter of Ram Temple construction, he stated that Muslims against the move should pack up and go to Pakistan or Bangladesh.
The plan to construct Ram Temple in Ayodhya is a move supported by the majority of Muslims in the region. The extent of the support is also felt by numerous Muslim groups such as Art of Living foundation. Contrary to the support, some Muslim factions are against the construction because of a number of disputes. The main contention is that the Temple is to be built on grounds that once hosted the Babri Masjid which now stands demolished.
Criticisms of Waseem’s Utterances
Azam Khan, the Senior Samajwadi Party leader and former Uttar Pradesh (UP) on Saturday attacked Waseem for what he said about the Muslims against the construction of Ram Temple in Ayodhya. Azam asked why is it that they want to send Muslims to countries without bread, a staple food for the Muslims. “If Waseem wished to send away the Muslims, then it should be out of India to wealthier nations like the United States or Europe,” Azam added.
Azam Khan’s fired remarks towards Waseem came after the Waqf Chairman voiced his comments on the Muslims against Ram Temple construction to go to Pakistan and Bangladesh. Azam on the other hand, called for a total migration of the Muslims if Waqf wanted them gone.
Waseem’s Friday Prayers
Following the heated dispute between pro-Ram Temple and those against the move, Waseem Rizvi called for Friday prayers at the former Babri Masjid grounds. He also met Acharya Satyendra, the Chief Priest of Ram Janambhoomi.
During the occasion, he suggested that the Muslims opposing the Ram Temple in Ayodhya and instead wish to rebuild the ruined Babri Mosque have a fundamentalist orientation of thinking. They have no place in India and should go to Pakistan and Bangladesh. He added that those Muslims who intend to spread Jihad through the opposition of building Ram Temple should instead consider joining forces with ISIS’s chief, Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi. The Waqf Chairman also alleged that Muslim clerics are on the move to destroy India.
Rizvi’s sharp invited a response from Shia clerics who strongly advised that Waseem is arrested for trying to communalize the atmosphere. Maulana Iftekhar Hussain Inquilabi, the President of Shia Ulema Council alleged that Rizvi is an outlaw involved in grabbing and selling of Waqf properties.
In a different development, India Apex Court is set to hear a case between Babri Masjid and Janambhoomi dispute beginning February 8.
