Digvijaya urges Hindus and Muslims to hold prayers peacefully on Basant Panchami

Bhopal: Two days before Basant Panchami, former chief minister Digvijaya Singh asked the govt and administration to follow the previous orders passed by ASI (Archeological Survey of India) and make efforts for the peaceful celebration of the festival and the offering of namaz by Muslims at the disputed Bhojshala structure in Dhar.Taking to social media on Wednesday morning, Digvijaya Singh said, "This year, the festival of Basant Panchami is falling on a Friday. It happened in the past as well, and according to the decision of the Union govt, the Dhar administration planned for both communities to celebrate it peacefully together."Bhojshala is a disputed structure which Hindus claim is an 11th-century temple of Wagdevi (Saraswati) built by Paramar king Raja Bhoja. Muslims contend it is the Kamal Maula Mosque. After an arrangement in 2003, Hindus are permitted to worship in the temple on Tuesdays and one day on Basant Panchami, while Muslims offer prayers in the same structure on Fridays. This year, Basant Panchami falls on January 23, Friday; hence, both communities will offer prayers there on the same day.Digvijaya Singh argued, "I would like to say to the administration and the govt that the ASI already clearly stated in its earlier orders of 2003, 2013 and 2016 that whenever Basant Panchami and Friday prayers fall on the same day, the worship of Basant Panchami will be performed from sunrise to 1 pm, and then from 3:30 pm till sunset, while the time between 1 pm and 3 pm will be left for offering Friday prayers."The Rajya Sabha MP pointed out that, in this situation, it is the responsibility of the govt and the administration to ensure full compliance with the orders passed by the ASI, while making every effort to convey a message of peace and harmony in Dhar. He said strict action should be taken against those spreading frenzy and rumours."I appeal to all my Hindu and Muslim brothers to maintain communal harmony. Our state is a symbol of peace, and it is the moral responsibility of the govt and administration to establish this peace legally," Digvijaya Singh said.The BJP gave a fiery response to Digvijaya Singh's morning tweet. BJP MLA from the Huzur assembly seat Rameshwar Sharma said, "Digvijaya Singh is not a Hindu; that is the reason why he speaks this way. He has more knowledge about Persian and Islam. So, it is better he does not impart knowledge on Hindustan, Sanatan, Hindus, Jains, Buddhists and Sikhs. You may keep your process of devotion and prayers different, but everyone must accept Hindustan and Hindu culture because everyone's forefathers are Hindus."The BJP MLA also said, "Digvijaya Singh is mistaken. If he searches his own lineage and background, he too will be disclosed as a Hindu."