Mangaluru: SDPI holds protest demanding enforcement of Places of Worship Act 1991

Team Udayavani, Feb 9, 2024, 5:25 PM IST

Mangaluru: Protestors from the Social Democratic Party of India (SDPI), Dakshina Kannada District Committee, rallied in Mangaluru, demanding the enforcement of the Places of Worship Act 1991. The demonstration took place outside the Mini Vidhana Soudha, with chants echoing concerns over what they termed as “intrusion and encroachment dangers.”

Anwar Sadat, the district president of SDPI, highlighted the significance of the act, emphasizing its mandate for maintaining places of worship in their original form since pre-independence. Sadat accused the BJP government of targeting mosques under the guise of temple reconstruction, alleging “divisive political maneuvers and the enactment of detrimental laws eroding cultural and religious heritage.”

He warned against the “encroachment of fascism on democracy” and called upon Congress to clarify its stance on the issue.

Abdul Majeed Mysuru, the state president of SDPI, condemned the BJP for “resorting to communal agenda” for political gain, citing the recent controversy surrounding the Gyanvapi Mosque Complex. He claimed that the court’s decision to allow puja at the mosque was against the principles of justice and violated constitutional norms. Places of Worship Act of 1991 is being disregarded, he said.

Riyaz Parangipete, the National Secretary of SDPI, along with other party officials including Jamal Jokatte, the Presenting Secretary of SDPI Dakshina Kannada District, were also present at the protest.