Controversy at Har ki Pauri: Muslim MLAs Skip Deepotsav Event Amid Objections

Three Muslim MLAs invited to a 'Deepotsav' event at Har ki Pauri in India did not attend after strong objections from the Ganga Sabha. The Sabha cited a 1935 law banning non-Hindus and insisted on maintaining the site's sanctity. MLAs cited personal reasons for their absence.

In Haridwar, a 'Deepotsav' event held at Har ki Pauri ghat became the center of controversy when three local Muslim MLAs chose not to attend, citing personal reasons. Their absence followed objections by the Ganga Sabha, the body managing the ghats, which opposed their participation based on an old municipal law.

The administration had invited all 11 district MLAs, including Congress members Qazi Nizamuddin and Furqan Ahmed, and BSP's Mohammad Shahzad. The Ganga Sabha labeled the Muslim MLAs' presence as illegal under a 1935 law banning non-Hindus from the sacred site, aiming to keep its sanctity intact.

Despite the strong opposition, the Muslim MLAs attributed their non-attendance to involvement with Maharashtra assembly elections and personal priorities. Tensions lingered, reflecting broader issues of religious inclusion and protocol adherence, as both sides expressed their positions.

(With inputs from agencies.)