Sight of masjid gives BJP, Yogi a headache: Owaisi

All India Majlis-e-Ittehadull Muslimeen president Asaduddin Owaisi has lashed out at the demolition of a mosque in Saharanpur, Uttar Pradesh, describing it as an act of hatred and questioning the commitment of the Yogi Adityanath government to the rule of law. Owaisi alleged that the BJP and the Uttar Pradesh government were visibly upset by the presence of mosques, stating that the sight of a mosque gives them a headache.

The mosque, constructed in 1911 with land donated by a Muslim, was in regular use until September this year. Owaisi questioned the circumstances of the demolition, pointing out that the lower court had not granted a stay, and suggested that the demolition took place at 5 a.m. to prevent it from reaching a higher court, as the authorities were aware of their wrongdoings.

He questioned the BJP's and Yogi Adityanath's faith in the higher courts and demanded to know if the constitutional guarantee of freedom of religion did not apply to Muslims. Owaisi invoked legal provisions related to "waqf by user" and law of adverse possession, urging the mosque committee to appeal and seek intervention from the President if necessary.

He condemned the demolition and offered his assistance to the mosque committee in pursuing the matter through the courts.