New Delhi [India], July 23 : Lashing out at the Samajwadi Party (SP) chief Akhilesh Yadav for holding a meeting inside a mosque on the Parliament street in New Delhi, National President of Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) Minority Morcha, Jamal Siddiqui stated that the meeting only showed how Yadav thought all Islamic religious places are in his "pocket".
"I condemn the way Samajwadi Party Chief Akhilesh Yadav has conducted a meeting in the pious mosque in front of the Parliament. This shows Akhilesh Yadav thinks all Islamic religious places are in his pocket... BJP and Minority Morcha will protest against them," Siddiqui told ANI.
Siddiqui also lashed out at Mohibbullah Nadvi, the Imam of the mosque, for letting the meeting take place despite being a representative of the Muslims.
The BJP Minority Morcha National President demanded action and questioned why "so-called" representatives, including Asaduddin Owaisi, were now hidden and were not speaking on the matter.
"I also condemn the Imam of the mosque, who is also an SP member, Mohibbullah Nadvi, for the way he let this happen, being a religious teacher and Muslims' representative... The way Dimple Yadav is sitting with her bare back and head against the code of conduct of the Mosque hurts Islamic sentiments worldwide. We demand action on them, and we will also file an FIR against them... Why are so-called representatives of Muslims like Asaduddin Owaisi, hidden now?... If this is the way, we will also hold a meeting after prayer on July 25th, starting with the National Song and ending with the National Anthem," he further stated.
Meanwhile, Akhilesh Yadav, commenting on his meeting, has said that faith unites people and also accused the BJP of using religion as a "divisive" tool.
Speaking to the media, Yadav alleged that the BJP wants people to keep "divided."
"Faith connects. Any religion or faith that connects people is valuable, and we are with those that work to build trust and foster connections. BJP has a problem with this... BJP wants people to stay divided, not united. We have faith in all faiths... BJP's tool is religion..." Yadav said.