Objection raised by Muslims over Madhubani painting in saffron colour on wall near Gyanvapi in Varanasi

Kashi Vishweshwar Temple and Gyanvapi Mosque

Varanasi (Uttar Pradesh) – A tense situation prevailed for some time on Friday before namaz near Gate No. 4 of the Gyanvapi complex and the Kashi Vishwanath Temple in Varanasi. The tension arose after a Madhubani-style painting in saffron colour was drawn on a wall near Gyanvapi. However, no untoward incident occurred due to heavy police deployment at the spot. The painting work had been carried out ahead of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Varanasi.

Although no objection was raised during the namaz and prayers were conducted peacefully, some people expressed that there was no need to alter the earlier situation. They stated that such actions could affect social harmony.

Opposition erupts over a saffron-coloured Madhubani painting near the disputed Gyanvapi in Varanasi.

Tensions flare as objections are raised by sections of the Muslim community over the artwork on a nearby wall.

Until the Supreme Court of India delivers a final verdict in the… pic.twitter.com/g1LtaNUkdO

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Complaint filed claiming the land belongs to Waqf

The ‘Mufti-e-Banaras’, Maulana Abdul Batin Nomani, strongly objected to the painting. He stated that the land belongs to Waqf and that the painting was done without permission from the Gyanvapi committee. He added that despite repeated communication with officials, no action was taken. A written complaint has been submitted, and he will again meet authorities to demand removal of the painting.

Deputy Commissioner of Police (Kashi), Gaurav Banswal, stated that there is nothing objectionable in the painting and that it is purely cultural. He clarified that the wall does not fall within the Gyanvapi premises. He also warned that strict action would be taken against anyone attempting to take the law into their own hands.