Ban Namaz at public places : Demands Hindu Janajagruti Samiti

Pune, Maharashtra – “Shaniwar Wada is the Karmabhumi of Shrimant Bajirao Peshwa, who transformed the Hindavi Swarajya established by Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj into the Maratha Empire. Although the Chhatrapati’s royal seat was at Satara, it was Shaniwar Wada that nurtured the might of the Maratha Empire upto Delhi. Namaz being offered in such a historic monument that symbolizes our valour will not be tolerated under any circumstances. Previously, namaz was offered at the Parvati Temple on Parvati hill, then in front of the Ganapati Temple at Sarasbaug, and now inside Shaniwar Wada itself. Those who were earlier offering namaz on roads are now moving into Hindu temples and heritage sites. If they do not wish to offer namaz in mosques, what are these mosques for ? They offer namaz on roads, in buses, trains, airplanes, and now in our temples and heritage structures. This will not be accepted and so namaz should be banned at all public places except mosques”, demanded Ms Kranti Petkar of Hindu Janajagruti Samiti.

Ms Petkar added, “The Archaeological Department must clearly state what measures it will take to ensure that such incidents are not repeated in the future. The unauthorized dargah located in the Shaniwar Wada area must also be demolished immediately to prevent such incidents from recurring.

Those who say Shaniwar Wada belongs to everyone or it is not anyone’s personal property should remember that today’s Hindu society has descended from Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, Dharmaveer Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj, Shrimant Bajirao Peshwa, and other valiant Hindu warriors. Therefore, Shaniwar Wada is a testimony to the valour of our ancestors and a matter of pride for Hindus.”

“Hindu Janajagruti Samiti expresses gratitude to Pune MP Mrs Medha Kulkarni for raising her voice on this issue. Muslim women are not allowed to offer namaz in their mosques. If ‘secular’ women truly care, they should speak up for the entry of those so-called ‘helpless’ and ‘peace-loving’ women into mosques.

But instead, they remain silent on this matter and lecture only Hindus about secularism. The stand taken by Mrs Medha should be an example for every Hindu elected representative. If Hindu leaders do not protect Hindu heritage sites, are Muslim leaders going to come and protect Shaniwar Wada, Raigad Fort, and other such places ?,” she added.

Ms Petkar appealed, “Today namaz was offered at Shaniwar Wada. Tomorrow, instead of the traditional war drums, the call for azaan may be heard there. Will we still keep chanting the same ‘secularism’ tune ? Until recently, namaz was offered on the streets, and if tomorrow it is offered in front of your homes, will you accept it ?”

“In the name of namaz, attempts are being made to encroach on Chhatrapati’s heritage sites through Land Jihad. The Hindu society must remain alert and oppose such moves”, she advised.

(For more, please visit : HinduJagruti.org)

Those who were earlier offering namaz on roads are now moving into Hindu temples and heritage sites