![Tensions rise as Ajmer Sharif faces legal claims, echoing the Babri Masjid dispute and targeting Muslim heritage sites. [Image via SAT Creatives]](https://southasiatimes.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/SAT-Web-Banners-22.webp)
Following the contentious demolition of the Babri Masjid, the revered Ajmer Sharif Dargah has become the latest target in a series of actions reflecting the Bharatiya Janata Party’s (BJP) Hindutva-driven agenda. A recent petition filed in a local court claimed that a Shiva temple exists within the dargah premises of the Sufi saint Moinuddin Chishti, sparking a wave of outrage among India’s Muslim community.
The court in Ajmer subsequently issued notices to the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) and the central government, escalating tensions surrounding the sanctity of one of India’s most prominent Muslim heritage sites. The Supreme Court of India has intervened, temporarily halting any actions until further orders.
A Pattern of Targeting Muslim Heritage Sites
The claim over Ajmer Sharif is not an isolated incident. It forms part of a larger trend that includes efforts to alter the narratives surrounding Muslim heritage sites in India. Since the BJP’s rise to power in 2014 under Prime Minister Narendra Modi, there has been a surge in attempts to reclaim lands perceived as Hindu religious spaces.
The tensions surrounding Ajmer Sharif echo the painful memories of the Babri Masjid demolition, where similar claims over religious ownership ignited nationwide unrest.
The most prominent example is the Babri Masjid case, where the Supreme Court allowed the construction of a Ram Temple on the disputed site in Ayodhya. Similar petitions have emerged concerning the Gyanvapi Mosque in Varanasi and other heritage sites, creating a climate of unease among India’s Muslim population.
Also See: Hindutva: A Civilisational Gerrymandering of India
Bulldozer Justice and Legislative Maneuvers
Muslim communities across India have faced heightened oppression through a combination of legislative amendments and enforcement actions. The Waqf Amendment Bill, for instance, has raised alarms over its potential to strip Muslim trusts of their properties. Simultaneously, widespread anti-encroachment drives, often referred to as “bulldozer justice,” have disproportionately targeted Muslim-owned properties under the guise of urban development.
The Gujarat government recently sanctioned the demolition of a 1,200-year-old mosque, citing land-use violations. Critics argue that these actions are aimed at erasing Muslim identity and heritage under the guise of modernization and legal compliance.
Citizenship Laws and the Marginalization of Muslims
The passage of the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) and the implementation of the National Register of Citizens (NRC) further compound the plight of Muslims in India. These measures have been criticized for disproportionately excluding Muslims, particularly in Assam, where nearly two million people—mostly Muslims—face the risk of statelessness.
Hate Speech and Media Amplification
The role of pro-BJP media outlets in amplifying divisive narratives cannot be overlooked. Coverage often frames Muslims as threats to national unity, normalizing discrimination and violence. The escalation of extremist slogans and attacks on places of worship has fostered an environment of fear and exclusion.
Global Condemnation and Calls for Action
India’s deteriorating human rights situation has attracted international scrutiny. The United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) and other global bodies have raised concerns about the targeting of religious minorities and the erosion of India’s secular fabric.
Ajmer Sharif, a symbol of interfaith harmony, is now at the center of this contentious struggle. The ongoing judicial interventions may provide a temporary respite, but the broader agenda of erasing Muslim heritage sites signals a deeper challenge to India’s pluralistic identity.
The international community must hold the Indian government accountable for preserving religious diversity and preventing further descent into authoritarianism. The battle for Ajmer Sharif is not just about a site; it is about the future of coexistence in one of the world’s most diverse nations.
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