A drive to demolish illegal Madarasas begins in Kolhapur

The result of the aggressive stance of Hindutva organisations

An illegal madrasa being demolished

Kolhapur, Maharashtra – Muslims vehemently protested against the municipal authorities that went to demolish the unauthorised construction of a madrasa in the Lakshatirth Vasaahat. In this context, Muslims had mobilised in large numbers including Muslim women to oppose the municipality’s decision and create pressure on the municipal corporation by staging demonstrations. As a result, on 31st January, the municipal corporation did not carry out the intended action. In this context, Hindu nationalist organisations, inspired by the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Putala Aandolan, took an aggressive stance and played a decisive role. Ultimately, due to the aggressive stance taken by various Hindu nationalist organisations, the District administration acknowledged the illegality of the construction in a meeting held at the District Collector’s office. Starting from the 1st of February, they initiated the process of demolishing the construction. At this time, a significant deployment of the Police force was observed throughout the city.

The sequence of events –

May 2023: In the case of the unauthorised madrasa in Lakshatirth Vasaahat, a request was submitted to the municipal corporation by the World Hindu Council (Vishva Hindu Parishad) and Bajrang Dal.
Hindu nationalist organisations demanded immediate demolition, they staged protests and demonstrations.

December 2023: Municipal authorities visited the site and initiated the sealing (‘seal’) of the unauthorised construction.
31st January 2024: Despite the construction being unauthorised, Muslims opposed the demolition in large numbers. In this context, inspired by the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Putala Aandolan, Hindu nationalist organisations declared that the protest would continue until the demolition was completed. At 11 p.m., the Police reassured action would be taken.

Hindu organisations participating in the protests

Vishva Hindu Parishad, Bajrang Dal, Hindu Janajagruti Samiti, BJP, Shiv Sena, Hindu Ekta Andolan, Hindu Mahasabha, etc.

Mr Ramesh Shinde addressing the Hindu activists participating in the protest for the statue of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj

Ramesh Shinde, the National Spokesperson of Hindu Janajagruti Samiti, actively participated in this protest. He stated, “Even if the construction of the madrasa is illegal and despite the orders of the local Court, if the municipal administration proves incapable of taking action, then it is incompetence. Whatever construction is deemed unauthorised should be demolished. In this regard, Hindu Janajagruti Samiti will fight up to the High Court, Supreme Court, and even beyond. We will not settle until the entire unauthorised construction site is cleared. We will not rest until the complete demolition is achieved.”

Success to the continuous fight by Vishva Hindu Parishad-Bajrang Dal

Parag Fadnis, the Spokesperson of Bajrang Dal, mentioned, “In Lakshatirth Vasaahat, three unauthorised prayer places are causing significant distress to Hindus. Just as one place’s owner personally took the initiative to remove the unauthorised construction, in the same way, the owners of two other places should also remove the unauthorised construction to avoid any tensions. This demand was made collectively by us, the Bajrang Dal. For this, the World Hindu Council and Bajrang Dal fought through administrative channels, legal means, and other avenues, just as the owner of one place did.”