The minority wing of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has unveiled a comprehensive initiative involving the illumination of diyas (earthen lamps) at 1,200 mosques and dargahs across the nation in anticipation of the consecration ceremony for the idol of Lord Ram within the Ram Temple in Ayodhya on January 22. This program, named 'Deepotsav,' is scheduled to span from January 12 to 22.
Yaser Jilani, the convenor of the BJP's minority wing, disclosed the details, emphasizing the identification of 1,200 mosques, dargahs, and various Muslim religious sites where diyas will be lit. Among these locations, 36 significant places in Delhi, including the Jama Masjid and Nizamuddin Dargah, have been specifically earmarked for this illuminating initiative.
The announcement comes in the wake of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's call during his visit to Ayodhya on December 30, urging people to light diyas in their homes on January 22, akin to Diwali celebrations. Additionally, he encouraged cleanliness drives at pilgrimage sites and temples across the country from January 14 to January 22.
Leaders within the BJP assert that this initiative aims to foster unity among individuals from diverse religions, cultures, and ethnicities, contributing to the promotion of communal harmony in the nation. State presidents of the BJP's minority wing across all states have received directives to organize 'Deepotsav' and propagate messages of brotherhood, emphasizing their aspiration to actively participate in the grand ceremony.
Yaser Jilani underscored the respect for other religions as an integral tenet of Islam. He stated, "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."
In a critical tone, Jilani criticized All India United Democratic Front (AIUDF) chief Badaruddin Ajmal for advising members of the Muslim community to stay indoors between January 20-25 during the Ram Temple consecration ceremony week. Jilani characterized Ajmal's mindset as "demonic" and accused him of creating obstacles with such statements, emphasizing the democratic principles and inclusivity that India upholds.
The gates of the Ram Mandir in Ayodhya are anticipated to open to the public after January 22, following the 'pran pratishtha' ceremony for the idol of Ram Lalla. The BJP's minority wing endeavors to actively contribute to the celebratory atmosphere surrounding this monumental event, seeking to underscore the shared values of brotherhood and harmony in India.
