The minority branch of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) declared on Tuesday that 1,200 dargahs and mosques nationwide would light diyas, or earthen lamps, in anticipation of the consecration ceremony of the idol of Lord Ram inside the Ram Temple in Ayodhya on January 22. The ‘Deepotsav‘ program is scheduled to take place from January 12 to January 22.
“We have identified 1,200 small/big mosques, dargahs, and other Muslim religious places across the country where we will light diyas,” BJP minority wing convenor Yaser Jilani stated. Thirty-six locations (dargahs and well-known mosques) in Delhi have been recognized; these include Nizamuddin Dargah and Jama Masjid.”
Prime Minister Narendra Modi declared that January 22 should be “that day should be Diwali across India” on December 30, while on a visit to Ayodhya. He also requested that between January 14 and January 22, people start cleaning campaigns at temples and places of worship around the nation.
According to BJP officials, this action was taken to promote communal harmony in the nation by uniting people of all religions, cultures, and nationalities.
The minority wing of the BJP has instructed its state presidents in every state to organize ‘Deepotsav’ and propagate the concept of fraternity. “Our only aim is to become part of this mega ceremony,” Jilani stated.
“The ‘Pran Pratishtha’ (consecration) ceremony of Lord Ram is the biggest event of the century. The entire nation is celebrating the construction of the Ram Temple. Different programs are being organised, and we are also doing our bit,” he said.
“Our religion, Islam, says that if you respect your religion, then you must respect other religions too. We believe in brotherhood and harmony as it represents the real ethos of India, and we all are symbols of these values,” said the BJP leader. On Tuesday, Yaser Jilani also attacked Badaruddin Ajmal, the leader of the All India United Democratic Front (AIUDF), for advising Muslims to stay inside between January 20 and 25. Jilani claimed the head of the AIUDF was putting up obstacles and had a “demonic mindset” by making such declarations.
“Some people like Badruddin Ajmal and others who have a demonic mindset and are trying to create hurdles by urging Muslims to stay indoors for five to seven days (during the Ram Temple consecration ceremony week) should be given a message that India is a democratic country which takes along people from all the communities and believes in ‘Sabka Saath Sabka Vikas’ and ‘Sabka Vishwas’,” Jilani stated.