RSS Chief Mohan Bhagwat’s recent remarks expressing concern over temple-mosque disputes have been positively received by Muslim leaders and religious scholars. On Thursday, Bhagwat stated that some individuals are instigating such controversies to gain leadership among Hindus, thereby threatening national unity.
Yasoob Abbas, General Secretary of the All India Shia Personal Law Board, welcomed the statement, emphasizing that searching for temples or mosques beneath every religious site is detrimental to national unity. He pointed out that certain forces are attempting to provoke Hindu and Muslim communities, disrupting harmony.
Maulana Mufti Shahabuddin Razvi Barelvi, President of the All India Muslim Jamaat, labeled those seeking religious structures beneath other sites as antisocial elements. He praised Bhagwat’s statement as crucial for maintaining the country’s integrity.
Muslim cleric Kalbe Sibte Noori termed it a positive step and highlighted that India cannot progress towards becoming a global leader while excluding its 18–20 crore Muslim population. He urged BJP leaders to promote this message and curb divisive elements.
Samajwadi Party MP Iqra Chaudhary called the statement a “delayed but welcome move,” while MP Afzal Ansari criticized leaders raising such issues for cheap publicity. SP MP Mohibullah Nadvi demanded strict action against those fueling these disputes.
