The Bhupendra Patel-led government has demolished 108 mazars in the state in its crackdown on “illegal encroachments”, Gujarat Home Minister Harsh Sanghavi boasted in the Assembly on Wednesday. He also highlighted Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel”s proactive approach in deploying bulldozers to deal with such structures. Sanghavi reassured the public about the government”s commitment to safeguarding temples and devasthan from any potential conspiracies.
Bulldozers have become a weapon to destroy structures, homes and livelihoods of the Muslim community in the country. While these excavators first appeared in politically crucial Uttar Pradesh, they soon made their way to other BJP-ruled states.
Referring to an earlier speech by a BJP MLA from Ellisbridge, Sanghavi said, “Today, the point mentioned by Amitbhai… He said that a derasar was removed in Jamalpur. Now, Dada’s (Bhupendra Patel) bulldozer is moving around in every nook and corner of the state so that no temple or devsthan can be removed while hatching a conspiracy. Nobody knows where will it (bulldozer) go.”
Citing instances like in Uparkot, Sanghavi said the sudden emergence of mazars was a “conspiracy”. “In Uparkot, it was not known where (and when) all mazars were built. How can it be built suddenly?” he said.
He stated that 108 mazars had been demolished statewide, reclaiming state properties and clearing encroachments around areas like Somnath. “In all, 108 mazars have been demolished (in the state) and the state’s properties have been opened. The encroachment around Somnath has been removed. This bulldozer of Dada can enter a 20-ft wide street and an 80-m wide road,” he claimed.
Sanghavi also addressed objections to late-night Navratri celebrations, arguing that they provided an opportunity for the people of Gujarat to worship the goddess and engage in cultural festivities.
“Navratri was allowed (to be celebrated) the whole night so that the people of Gujarat could worship the goddess and play raas throughout the night. Considering the Supreme Court and (Gujarat) high court and its fear, we definitely got the sound (of music) decreased,” he said.
He also defended the extended celebrations, citing their positive impact on households, especially during Diwali.
“But because Navratri could be allowed till late night, it brought Diwali to numerous households. To get a figure of that (how many households), one needs to ask the poor, the vendors and those running small restaurants,” he continued.
“I made a statement (then) that if the people of my state cannot perform garba then would they do so in Pakistan? The very next day of this statement, people from a party (moved) a PIL in the HC. They have a problem if people of the state perform garba till late in the night. Can’t people perform garba till late? We had to face that situation.”
