In a surprising development, the Rashtriya Hindu Dal based in Varanasi has declared its intention to erect a statue of the late Mulayam Singh Yadav, former Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh, within the premises of the mosque slated for construction in Dhannipur, Ayodhya. The National President of the organisation, Roshan Pandey, has extended an invitation to Mulayam Singh Yadav’s son, former UP CM Akhilesh Yadav, urging his presence during the statue’s installation.
In a letter addressed to Akhilesh Yadav, Pandey emphasised Mulayam Singh Yadav’s purported lifelong advocacy for the Muslim community, stating that he dedicated his life opposing the construction of the Ram Mandir in Ayodhya, even giving orders for the suppression of Karsevaks. Pandey argued that Mulayam Singh Yadav’s contribution, though not to the Ram Mandir, deserves recognition in the construction of the Dhannipur mosque, as per the Supreme Court verdict.
Pandey revealed that the statue’s construction would involve a stone sourced from Kichhauchha Sharif Dargah, subsequently purified with water from various dargahs, including Ajmer Sharif, Haji Ali, Darul Uloom Deoband, and Kaliyar Sharif.
The Rashtriya Hindu Dal’s National President affirmed that the installation of Mulayam’s statue aims to acknowledge his perceived contribution to the mosque’s construction and pay tribute to his legacy. Notably, Pandey expressed plans to invite Muslim Maulanas who observed Roza and Iftari with Mulayam Singh Yadav for the statue’s unveiling.
Roshan Pandey extended an option to Akhilesh Yadav for the inclusion of a Namaji cap, ordered from Delhi’s Jama Masjid, on the statue, resembling Mulayam Singh Yadav’s attire during Iftaar gatherings. The statue’s installation is planned at a time chosen by Akhilesh Yadav.
Pandey further appealed for the participation of Muslims from countries such as Palestine, Bangladesh, and Pakistan in the event, where he hopes the slogan “Jai Samajwad” will resound. Seeking permission from the All India Muslim Personal Law Board (AIMPLB) and Jamiat Ulema Ul Hind, Pandey expressed willingness to bear all expenses associated with the installation, while also welcoming external support.
Addressing potential objections to placing a statue in the mosque, Pandey invoked examples of controversial depictions elsewhere, such as the image of Muhammad Ali Jinnah in AMU and statues of Tipu Sultan in Karnataka. Additionally, he urged both organisations to christen the mosque ‘Mulayam Masjid.’ The Rashtriya Hindu Dal awaits responses from AIMPLB and Jamiat Ulema Ul Hind on this unique proposition.
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