BJP plans to light diyas at 1,200 mosques, dargahs across India before Ram Mandir inauguration

The Bharatiya Janata Party’s (BJP) minority wing on Tuesday announced a plan to light diyas (earthen lamps) in 1,200 dargahs and mosques across the country ahead of the consecration ceremony of the idol of Lord Ram inside the Ram Temple in Ayodhya on January 22.

The program, named 'Deepotsav', will be held from January 12 to 22.

BJP minority wing convenor Yaser Jilani said, "We have identified 1,200 small/big mosques, dargah and other Muslim religious places across the country where we will light diyas. Thirty-six places (dargahs and famous mosques) have been identified in Delhi, which includes the Jama Masjid and Nizamuddin Dargah."

On December 30, during his visit to Ayodhya, Prime Minister Narendra Modi asked people to light diyas in their houses on January 22, saying "that day should be Diwali across India". He also asked people to launch cleanliness drives at pilgrimage sites and temples across the country from January 14 and January 22.

BJP leaders have said this move was aimed at bringing together individuals from diverse religions, cultures, and ethnicities and bolster the spirit of communal harmony in the country.

State presidents of the BJP's minority wing of all the states have been instructed to organise 'Deepotsav' and spread the message of brotherhood. "Our only aim is to become part of this mega ceremony," said Jilani.

Jilani



underscored that Islam says other religions must be respected.

"The 'Pran Pratishtha' (consecration) ceremony of Lord Ram is the biggest event of the century. The entire nation is celebrating the construction of the Ram Temple. Different programs are being organised, and we are also doing our bit," he said.

"Our religion, Islam, says that if you respect your religion, then you must respect other religions too. We believe in brotherhood and harmony as it represents the real ethos of India, and we all are symbols of these values," said the BJP leader.

Yaser Jilani also slammed All India United Democratic Front (AIUDF) chief Badaruddin Ajmal on Tuesday for urging members of the Muslim community to stay indoors between January 20-25. Jilani said the AIUDF chief had a "demonic mindset" and was creating hurdles by making such announcements.

"Some people like Badruddin Ajmal and others who have a demonic mindset and are trying to create hurdles by urging Muslims to stay indoors for five to seven days (during the Ram Temple consecration ceremony week) should be given a message that India is a democratic country which takes along people from all the communities and believes in 'Sabka Saath Sabka Vikas' and 'Sabka Vishwas'," Jilani said.

The gates of the Ram Mandir in Ayodhya will be open to the public after January 22 following the 'pran pratishtha' ceremony of the idol of Ram Lalla.