Delhi/Hyderabad, May 15 (HS): Political reactions continued on Friday following the verdict of the Indore Bench of the Madhya Pradesh High Court in the Bhojshala matter at Dhar district of Madhya Pradesh. The court, while referring to the survey report of the Archaeological Survey of India and other historical and archaeological material placed before it, recognised Bhojshala as a Vagdevi temple and permitted Hindu worship at the site.
In its order, the High Court observed that the ASI survey, architectural remains and archaeological findings pointed towards the existence of a temple structure at the site. The verdict has since triggered responses from various political parties and leaders.
Mohan Yadav and several leaders of the Bharatiya Janata Party welcomed the ruling, describing it as a decision based on historical evidence and archaeological findings.
Meanwhile, Asaduddin Owaisi criticised the verdict and termed it “erroneous.” He said the court had overlooked the 1935 Dhar State Gazette, the 1985 Waqf registration and provisions of the Places of Worship Act, 1991. Owaisi also said the pending civil dispute regarding ownership of the site had not been adequately considered.
In a statement posted on social media platform X, Owaisi said the judgment had similarities with the Babri Masjid verdict and expressed hope that the Supreme Court of India would review the matter.
He further stated that Namaz had been offered at the site for several centuries and argued that the verdict was contrary to the provisions of the Places of Worship Act. Owaisi also referred to the ASI records connected to the site while questioning the court’s conclusions.
According to historical references cited in the matter, Bhojshala is associated with Raja Bhoj, who ruled the region during the 11th century and is believed to have established a centre of learning at the site. Over the years, the site has remained at the centre of legal and historical claims by different groups.
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Hindusthan Samachar / Indrani Sarkar
