Row over separate room for Namaz in Jharkhand Assembly
Siyasat.net web desk
Ranchi: A separate room in the new Assembly building of Jharkhand to offer Namaz sparked controversy with the BJP demanding five rooms or a hall for Hindus to recite Hanuman Chalisa.
In an order issued on September 2, it is stated that room number TW 348, in the new Assembly building of Jharkhand, has been allotted to offer the Namaz, according to Jharkhand Legislative Assembly Secretariat.
Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader Babu Lal Marandi has opposed the decision and urged the Secretary of Jharkhand Legislative Assembly that five rooms or a hall be allotted to Hindus to recite Hanuman Chalisa.
“Temple of democracy should stay as the temple of democracy only. The allotment of a separate room at (Jharkhand Vidhan Sabha) for Namaz is wrong. We’re against this decision,” the BJP leader.
“If Muslims can offer Namaz in a separate room, why can’t Hindus be allowed to recite Hanuman Chalisa (in a separate room). I urge the Secretary of Jharkhand Legislative Assembly that five rooms or a hall be allotted to Hindus to recite Hanuman Chalisa,” he added.
Former speaker and BJP leader CP Singh also made similar demands and said that a temple should also be built at the Assembly premises.
“I’m not against Namaz room but then they should also build a temple at Jharkhand Vidhan Sabha premises. I even demand that Hanuman Temple should be set up there. If Speaker approves we can build the temple at our own cost,” he said.
JMM and Congress hit back at the BJP, accusing it of trying to rake up a hate campaign against a particular community. JMM general secretary Supriyo Bhattacharjee said a provision for a place to offer namaz in the Assembly was there in the past too. “The BJP must know that the our Constitution and secular ethos offer everyone the right to practice religion of his/her choice. But the BJP is again doing what it knows best—attack the secular fabric of Indian democracy,” he said.
Senior Congress leader and former MP Furkan Ansari said that in 2000, then chief minister Babulal Marandi and then Speaker Inder Singh Namdhari had made provisions for a separate room for namaz in the Assembly building. “Why is the BJP protesting now? In 2000, it was a BJP government run by Marandi which made this provision. This clearly shows the BJP’s attempt to divide society now,” he said.
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