The idol of Ganesha was placed in the temple in the presence of policemen; BJP workers raised Islamophobic slogans
NEW DELHI — Hindutva groups are increasingly challenging India’s secular and pluralistic fabric of the country with impunity. Several cases of their actions getting tacit support from the governments in states ruled by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) have hogged the limelight lately, but states governed by the Congress have also been silently watching the violation of the established laws by the saffron brigade.
BJP leader Madhavi Latha’s building a temple, albeit small, and her placing an idol of Ganesha inside on the compound wall of Elite Apartments in the Malakpet area of Hyderabad city is a case in point.
What is more glaring is the fact that the BJP leader, who lost the Lok Sabha election to All India Majlis Ittihadul Muslimeen (AIMIM) supremo Asaduddin Owaisi, was allowed to build the temple at the contentious site in the presence of a large posse of policemen.
Madhavi Latha’s action on Saturday came in response to a dispute between flat owners. BJP workers raised Hindu and Islamophobic slogans during the whole exercise, reports reaching here said.
A dispute is going on between some of the flat owners and builders over parking issues, leading to tension in the Malakpet area in the Old City. Madhavi Latha has allegedly exploited the civil dispute for communal purposes.
Two days ago, two groups had quarrelled over the issue at Elite Apartments, prompting police intervention. Flat owners said that some individuals are illegally constructing a flat in the stilt area of the building, ignoring court orders.
Madhavi Latha alleged that the local AIMIM legislator, Ahmed Bin Abdullah Balala, had called flat owners for settlements instead of working to stop the illegal construction.
“You all do not go to attend any meeting. Ask the MLA to come and discuss the matter at the apartment in my presence,” Madhavi Latha told the flat owners.
Two people were reportedly injured during a scuffle two days ago at the apartment building over the construction issue. Madhavi Latha condemned the attack, which she said was done on Hindu families staying in the building, and demanded strict police action and security for those staying in the building.
It is to be seen if the idol or temple will be dismantled or shifted elsewhere.
