By Our Special Correspondent
AURANGABAD, AUGUST 31—Firebrand All India-Majlis–E-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM) Parliamentarian from Aurangabad Imtiaz Jaleel has thrown a challenge before the Maharashtra State Government regarding re-opening of religious places of worship in Maharashtra State. Jaleel said that he himself with strong support from the Hindu Community will be reopening temples on September 1 and will be offering Namaz (muslim congregation prayer ) at the historic Shahganj mosque of Aurangabad on September 2, if the government fails to reopen the religious places shut down due to COVID 19 lockdown since April by next Tuesday.
He told India Tomorrow, “There is no logic behind the shutdown of religious places like temples, mosques, churches, gurudwaras etc by the state government. I have received very good support from the Hindu Community and we will be reopening temples in my presence in Aurangabad on September 1 and the next day, will be offering prayers in Shahganj Masjid. September1 is the auspicious day as Ganesh Visarjan will take place on the said day and my Hindu brothers must open temples on this sacred day and Muslims must follow suit the next day,” he said.
Jaleel questioned that when buses, trains, airports, aeroplanes, liquor shops, marriage halls, markets and malls have been opened to the public then why are religious places being kept shut. “Social distancing and limited number of people can be allowed inside temples and mosques. When liquor shops are being opened for revenue generation, then religious places of worships must be opened up for the devouts belonging to different communities,” he said.
Jaleel also took to social media and tweeted, “We all waited and cooperated with the government for six months to improve our medical infrastructure and now that everything is open why keep shut only religious places. Illogical. My ultimatum to Maharashtra government to open all Mandirs from September 1 and we will open all Masjids from September 2, ” he stated.
Responding to Jaleel’s ultimatum, Shiv Sena strongman and former Aurangabad MP Chandrakant Khaire said, “Who is Jaleel to open temples as he eats mutton and is a non-vegetarian. We will not allow him to open the temples. As far as reopening of Masjids are concerned, many of Hindus are telling me that the mosques have already opened. He is not realising the situation on the ground and the rapid spread of Corona in the city,” he said.
Jaleel replied back to Khaire’s allegations and said, “I openly invite former MP Chandrakant Khaire to come with me and reopen the temples taking into consideration the religious feelings of the communities. I would love to jointly open the temples with the former MP in the larger interests of the society,” he said.
Jaleel in another tweet said, “When businesses, factories, markets have opened up n even buses, trains & flights r operating who told govt that Corona will spread only from religious places! Govt’s revenue-earning liquor shops r also open & even limited people can gather for marriages so why shut only religious places!.”
