Saharanpur Mosque Demolition: Owaisi Questions Religious Freedom Guarantee

AIMIM president and Hyderabad MP Asaduddin Owaisi has strongly condemned the demolition of a mosque within the Saharanpur Collectorate complex in Uttar Pradesh, questioning whether constitutional guarantees of religious freedom apply equally to Muslims.

The structure was removed by authorities early Saturday following a court order. A Saharanpur court had upheld an earlier decision declaring the mosque an unauthorised occupation of government land. Officials maintained the demolition followed due process.

In a post on X, Owaisi said, "You cannot bulldoze our masjid just because you have an itch." He argued that historical records from 1911 establish the mosque's existence and claimed it had legal protection under "waqf by user" and adverse possession principles. He contended the Collectorate itself was built later.

The AIMIM chief accused the BJP of selectively targeting Muslim religious sites. "They are demolishing shrines (Dargahs) and destroying graveyards. They are targeting only Muslims," he said in a video statement. He alleged the action reflected "hatred towards mosques and the very presence of Muslims."

Owaisi also criticised the timing, arguing that mosque representatives should have been allowed to pursue higher legal remedies. "Natural justice demands that they be allowed to approach higher courts," he added.

The controversy stems from a City Magistrate's July order, which found the mosque occupied 315 square metres of government land and directed its removal along with a penalty of approximately Rs 6.41 crore. A district court later dismissed an appeal against this order.

Owaisi announced AIMIM would respond through "constitutional and political means," signalling the issue could become a significant political flashpoint in Uttar Pradesh, where assembly elections are due in early 2027.