Jairam Thakur demands accountability over Sanjauli mosque: ‘It is not a matter of religion but of law’

Shimla, 05 September: The construction of a mosque in Sanjauli, Shimla has sparked controversy, raising questions over its legal status. The building, allegedly built illegally in 2010, continued to be constructed despite restrictions imposed by the Shimla Municipal Corporation. The situation has turned into a law and order issue, demanding action against those responsible.

Senior BJP leader and Leader of Opposition Jairam Thakur demanded immediate legal action, saying the issue was not one of religion but of law. “If something is illegal, appropriate action should be taken without delay,” Thakur said. He stressed that illegal construction should not be allowed to continue under any circumstances.

He pointed out that the initial single-storey structure of the mosque was declared illegal by the Municipal Corporation in 2010, but the cleric claims that construction continued till 2017. Thakur criticised the negligence of the municipal corporation and the administration, saying their inaction was now giving rise to major law enforcement concerns.

Thakur also questioned the double standards in law enforcement. “If any common man extends a building even by a foot, his electricity and water are immediately cut off. However, the mosque is still operational despite being illegal,” he said, calling for action against anyone patronising the illegal construction.

He stressed that it was a legal matter and should not be seen through a religious prism. “The fight here is between truth and untruth,” Thakur said, calling for a fair and legal resolution of the issue.

Thakur also supported the recent statement of a Congress minister in the state assembly, who raised similar concerns and demanded strict action. The minister clarified that the land on which the mosque stands belongs to the Himachal Pradesh government and not the Waqf Board. The Congress leader further revealed that the municipal corporation had earlier mishandled the matter, leading to legal proceedings with the Waqf Board in 2024.

As the controversy deepens, the focus has shifted to how the government will address the situation and whether it will act decisively to prevent further law and order disruptions.