Muslim cleric claims Waqf land used for Maha Kumbh 2025, sparks controversy

Lucknow: Maulana Shahabuddin Razvi Barelvi, president of the All India Muslim Jamat and a controversial cleric, has claimed that 55 bighas of Waqf land in Prayagraj are being used for the upcoming Maha Kumbh Mela, set to commence on January 13. According to Barelvi, the land in question is owned by the Waqf Board and local Muslims have shown “large-heartedness” by allowing its use for the event. He urged Hindus to reciprocate this gesture by permitting Muslims to participate in the religious gathering.

Barelvi criticized the All India Akhara Parishad’s call to bar non-Hindus from attending the Kumbh Mela, labeling it a narrow-minded approach. “The Akhara Parishad, Naga Sanyasis, swamis, and babas have banned the entry of Muslims into the Kumbh Mela. On the other hand, Muslims have generously allowed the use of 55 bighas of Waqf land without objections,” Barelvi said, highlighting the inclusive stance of the Muslim community.

The cleric’s remarks, however, have drawn sharp criticism from Hindu leaders. Swami Chakrapani Maharaj, president of the Hindu Mahasabha, dismissed the claims and accused Barelvi of attempting to disrupt the Maha Kumbh. “Maulana Shahabuddin must be sponsored by Pakistan and people with a terrorist mindset. His statements are a malicious attempt to disturb the Maha Kumbh and should be investigated,” Chakrapani said. He further called for immediate legal action, including an FIR and arrest, to prevent such statements from “spoiling the atmosphere of the country.”

Adding to the controversy, BJP lawmaker Vijay Bahadur Pathak refuted the cleric’s claims, stating that the Kumbh Mela has been held at the banks of the Sangam for centuries. “Hindu scriptures say that even in Vedic times, a big fair was held where the three rivers meet. It is being held for centuries. Moreover, over 800 hectares of land were reclaimed from the Ganga so that this massive event could be organized on 4,000 hectares of land. The statement of the cleric was made to create a divide in society,” Pathak said.

Barelvi has also written a letter to Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, urging him to prohibit proposed conversions of Muslims to Hinduism during the Kumbh. In the letter dated January 3, the cleric expressed concerns over alleged plans for mass conversions during the mela, arguing that such activities would violate the state’s Unlawful Conversion of Religion Act, 2024.