'Relocate mosque, or else ufffd'

Shahi Imam of Jama Masjid, Maulana Syed Ahmed Bukhari, blames the Congress governments in Delhi and Centre for Wednesday's chaos

He has never been shy of courting controversy. And Ahmed Bukhari didn't hold back while speaking to MiD DAY on Wednesday. While the Jama Masjid Imam rejected claims that he had incited violence, he didn't shy away from taking potshots at the Congress.

When did you learn about the demolition of the mosque?
I was informed at about 7am that on the directions of both Central and Delhi government, DDA had demolished the mosque, bringing it to the ground. The officials along with hundreds of cops had started gathering at about 5am with bulldozers to carry out this conspiracy.

Many have blamed you for the violence that finally ensued.
I reached there at noon and by that time there was an agitated mob. I tried to pacify them but people maintained that they will offer prayers at the same site. I was not in its favour. To oppose the government action, I wanted to offer prayers either on the road or in front of Nizamuddin police station. Meanwhile, Congress MLA TS Marwah had come there and said that Delhi CM Sheila Dikshit has said that prayers should be offered at a mosque site in Jangpura D-block. Even though I tried to pacify the mob, they started moving towards that location. But I stayed near the police station. Later, I was told that a lot of people were injured and teargas shells were used to disperse the crowd.

Then who do you hold responsible?
I think before taking such a step Muslim leaders should have been taken into confidence. The government is claiming that the decision was taken at a religious meeting. How can it be a religious meeting when there was no Muslim member there? It was solely taken by the government and they are responsible for it. It is the result of differences between Delhi CM and Lieutenant-Governor.

But wasn't the structure constructed illegally on government land?
The mosque was on Waqf land. Mosque committee has documents in its support. According to 1927 gazette it has been constructed on Waqf land whose khasra number is 633.

So you didn't say anything that could have incited the mob?
I haven't said anything anti-national in my speech. If speaking against the government or the Congress is a crime, and the government feels it is a crime then I am guilty and the government should lodge a case against me.

Do you feel the Congress' approach towards the Muslim community has changed?
In fact, Bihar election results have made the Congress-led UPA government nervous. That is why this decision was taken in a hurry. On the one hand Congress claims it is pro-Muslim and on the other hand it's committing atrocities against us.

What do you intend to do next?
An ultimatum till Thursday evening, 6 pm, has been given to the government to re-locate the mosque. If they won't accept we will offer namaz there itself and will stop businesses in Muslim-dominated areas.