Raj Thackeray, the President of Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS), thinks it is wrong to break a century-old tradition of offering ‘incense’ (dhoop) by Muslims at the Trimbakeshwar Temple. He said that the traditions should not be stopped and that it is for the local townsfolk to decide what to do. He warned outsiders not to interfere and said that local villagers should take the decision. Thackeray believes that riots must be avoided, and the matter should be resolved through discussions. He also thinks that social media is blowing things out of proportion and creating misunderstandings. The police must ensure that there is no violence over such things.
Thackeray criticized the incident of May 13-14 night when some Muslims taking part in the annual ‘Urs’ of Hazrat Pir Syed Gulab Shahwali Baba Dargah were prevented from offering ‘incense’ at the temple entrance. He said that such an old ritual must not be disturbed or ended. He wondered whether Hindu religion was so weak that someone coming there would make any difference.
Thackeray has campaigned against loudspeakers in mosques in the past two years, or an alleged illegal islet coming up in the Arabian Sea off Mahim Dargah (Mumbai) which was demolished in March. On Friday, Maharashtra Congress President Nana Patole, along with Working President M. A. Naseem Khan and others, met Additional Director-General of Police Sanjay Saxena and demanded action against those who indulge in making “inflammatory, hate speeches” as directed by the Supreme Court.
The villagers, along with all political parties and the trustees of Trimbakeshwar Temple and the Dargah, had a meeting on May 17. They voted for peace in the area which was lauded by various Opposition parties. Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has ordered a SIT probe into the matter.
