Dhar

Ahead of Basant Panchami celebrations on Friday, authorities have intensified security arrangements in Madhya Pradesh’s Dhar district, particularly around the disputed Bhojshala–Kamal Maula Mosque complex, as both Hindu and Muslim communities remain firm on observing their respective religious practices at the historic site.

Officials said that nearly 8,000 security personnel, including contingents from the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) and Rapid Action Force (RAF), have been deployed across the district in view of the sensitivity of the situation. The administration has described the arrangements as precautionary, aimed at maintaining peace and preventing any untoward incident.

Police have strengthened surveillance in the town through extensive CCTV coverage, round-the-clock foot and vehicle patrols, and close monitoring of social media platforms to curb the spread of rumours or inflammatory content. Drone cameras are also being used to keep an aerial watch over the area, officials confirmed.

In the days leading up to the festival, saffron flags and billboards announcing ‘Akhand Puja’ have appeared at several locations in Dhar, reflecting heightened religious activity. Basant Panchami, which marks the worship of Goddess Saraswati, holds special significance for Hindu devotees, particularly at the Bhojshala site.

The Bhojshala–Kamal Maula Mosque is an 11th-century monument that has been at the centre of a long-standing dispute. While Hindu groups believe it to be an ancient temple dedicated to Goddess Vagdevi (Saraswati), the Muslim community regards it as a historic mosque. The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI), which manages the site, has laid down specific guidelines governing worship by both communities.

Under an ASI order, Hindus are permitted to perform puja at the Bhojshala every Tuesday, while Muslims are allowed to offer namaz on Fridays. However, Basant Panchami falling on a Friday this year has once again brought the overlapping claims into sharp focus.

The Bhoj Utsav Committee, representing Hindu groups, has sought permission to conduct day-long worship at the site on January 23. Ashok Jain, patron of the committee, said that continuous prayers, or ‘Akhand Puja’, are planned, and estimated that between 30,000 and 50,000 devotees may visit the site during the festival.

Meanwhile, the Kamal Maula Namaz Intezamia Committee has submitted a memorandum requesting that Friday prayers be allowed to proceed without disruption between 1 pm and 3 pm, in line with the ASI’s April 7, 2003 directive. Committee head Zulfikar Pathan reiterated that the Muslim community is only seeking adherence to existing orders.

Indore Rural Range Inspector General of Police Anurag inspected the Bhojshala premises and reviewed the security blueprint. He said the complex has been divided into multiple sectors, with personnel deployed in phases to ensure effective crowd management and rapid response if required.

Appealing for restraint, Congress veteran and former Madhya Pradesh chief minister Digvijaya Singh urged members of both communities to preserve communal harmony. In a social media post, he recalled that Basant Panchami has coincided with Friday prayers in the past as well, and arrangements were made peacefully in accordance with ASI guidelines.

Singh noted that ASI orders issued in 2003, 2013, and 2016 clearly outline the schedule to be followed when the festival and Friday prayers fall on the same day. As per these directions, puja is to be conducted from sunrise until 1 pm and then resumed from 3:30 pm till sunset, allowing the intervening time for namaz. He said it was the responsibility of the administration to strictly enforce these provisions and act firmly against those attempting to create communal tension.

Responding to Singh’s remarks, BJP spokesperson Ajay Singh Yadav alleged that the Bhojshala dispute had escalated during Singh’s tenure as chief minister. He accused the Congress leader of indulging in appeasement politics and claimed that Hindu sentiments associated with Bhojshala were being ignored.

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Yadav further argued that Basant Panchami, which marks the birth anniversary of Goddess Saraswati, is observed only once a year, while namaz is offered daily. He alleged that Singh’s statements were politically motivated and could provoke unnecessary controversy.