Key Points:
- PM Modi to send a ceremonial chadar to Ajmer Sharif Dargah for the 813th Urs of Khwaja Moinuddin Hasan Chishti.
- Hindu Sena files a petition in Ajmer District Court seeking a ban on the chadar offering.
- Court hearing scheduled before Civil Judge Manmohan Chandel; Hindu Sena claims potential bias in their case.
- Union Minister Kiren Rijiju to represent PM Modi in the offering, replacing Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi.
- Political and ideological debates reignite over the PM’s gesture at the revered Sufi shrine.
Jaipur: As the 813th Urs of Khwaja Moinuddin Hasan Chishti commences, Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s traditional offering of a ceremonial chadar to the Ajmer Sharif Dargah has become the focal point of political and legal controversies. The Hindu Sena has filed a petition in the Ajmer District Court, demanding an immediate halt to the PM’s gesture, which they argue could affect the fairness of their ongoing case.
Court Hearing and Hindu Sena’s Stance
The petition will be heard today by Civil Judge Manmohan Chandel. Vishnu Gupta, the president of Hindu Sena, expressed confidence that the court would recognize the impact of the PM’s chadar offering on their case.
“Our case could be compromised if the chadar is sent by the Prime Minister, as it involves the Ministry of Minority Affairs and the Government of India. In such a scenario, justice would be unattainable,” Gupta remarked. He further added, “A person holding a constitutional post should refrain from actions that may influence ongoing legal matters.”
Gupta also voiced hope in the judicial system, stating, “I trust the court to ensure that the chadar is banned until the case concludes in the district court.”
Kiren Rijiju Steps In as PM’s Representative
Traditionally, Union Minister Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi has represented the PM in delivering the chadar to Ajmer Sharif. This year, however, Union Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju has been chosen to carry out the task. The change in representation adds a fresh dimension to the ongoing discussions around the gesture.
Opposition Criticism and Ideological Clashes
Hindu organizations and opposition parties have criticized PM Modi’s continued offering of a chadar to Ajmer Sharif, branding it as contradictory to his leadership principles. Opposition leaders have accused the PM of displaying “double standards” by supporting the event, which holds religious significance for the Muslim community.
Ajmer Sharif Urs: A Tradition Amid Controversy
Ajmer Sharif Dargah, a revered Sufi shrine, has long been a symbol of communal harmony. However, the PM’s annual participation through a ceremonial chadar has consistently been met with mixed reactions, sparking debates over the balance between religious inclusivity and political agendas.
As the court deliberates on Hindu Sena’s petition, all eyes remain on Ajmer, where the Urs celebration continues under the shadow of legal and political tensions. The court’s decision will not only determine the fate of this year’s chadar offering but may also set a precedent for future such gestures.
