Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath stirred controversy on Saturday by stating that it is “unfortunate” to refer to the Gyanvapi structure as a mosque. He described it as an “embodiment of Lord Vishwanath,” aligning with the long-standing claim that the site originally housed a Hindu temple.
Speaking at the inauguration of an international seminar on “Contribution of Nath Panth in Building a Harmonious Society” at the Deen Dayal Upadhyay Gorakhpur University, Adityanath remarked, “It is unfortunate that some people refer to Gyanvapi as a mosque while it is the embodiment of Lord Vishwanath himself.”
This statement comes amidst a heated debate and legal tussle over the Gyanvapi site in Varanasi. Earlier this year, in January, the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) released a report stating that a large Hindu temple existed before the construction of the current structure in the 17th century. The ASI report highlighted that the western wall of the structure, composed of stone and adorned with moldings, is a remnant of a pre-existing Hindu temple.
The Gyanvapi issue has been a contentious legal matter, with the Hindu side arguing that the mosque was built over the ruins of a pre-existing temple. The Muslim side has vehemently contested these claims. The latest remarks by Yogi Adityanath have further fueled this ongoing debate.
Opposition Samajwadi Party Reacts
The Samajwadi Party (SP) quickly reacted to Adityanath’s statement, criticizing him for making such remarks while the matter is still sub judice. SP spokesperson Abbas Haidar told PTI, “It seems that he (Yogi Adityanath) does not give respect to the court. The matter is pending in the court. It is unfortunate that the chief minister has taken the oath of the Constitution, but it seems he is not giving due respect to the court.”
Haidar further accused the Chief Minister of using the issue for “vested political interests” and claimed that such statements serve to divide society. He also argued that the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has avoided addressing issues directly affecting the public.
BJP and Seers Laud Adityanath’s Remarks
On the other hand, members of the BJP and various Hindu seers have praised Adityanath’s remarks. Uttar Pradesh BJP spokesperson Manish Shukla stated, “Historic, archaeological and spiritual evidence categorically indicate that Gyanvapi is a temple.” Supporting this view, Mahant Raju Das of Ayodhya’s Hanumangarhi temple said, “It is only the unfortunate people who are calling Gyanvapi a mosque. It is itself Vishwanath, and a temple of Kashi Vishwanath.”
He went on to assert that even a person who is blind would recognize the structure as a Hindu temple by its distinct symbols, adding, “We have been continuously saying that it is a temple; only the foolish people call it a mosque.”
The Gyanvapi issue continues to be a flashpoint in the political and religious discourse in India. As the legal battle remains unresolved, the latest statements from both sides reflect the deep-seated emotions and differing perspectives surrounding this historical and religious site.
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