BJP’s Eshwarappa and Bandi Sanjay wade into mosque-temple row

Amid the ongoing row over the Gyanvapi mosque in Varanasi, Karnataka BJP MLA and former minister in the Bommai government KS Eshwarappa on Friday gave a clarion call to “reclaim” 36,000 temples. The BJP, who had to quit Bommai’s cabinet over corruption accusations, claimed that 36,000 temples were destroyed and mosques were built over it, reported news agency ANI.

“Let them build mosques elsewhere and offer namaz, but we cannot allow them to build masjids over our temples. All the 36,000 temples will be reclaimed by Hindus legally,” ANI quoted Eshwarappa as saying.

Also read: Eshwarappa: Hardline BJP leader with a penchant for controversies

Eshwarappa had said this over a week ago in Hubbali too. On May 15, while speaking to reporters, he had said, “Mughals destroyed 36,000 temples in the country. We will reconstruct all these temples without giving room for any conflict.”

Telangana BJP chief sparks controversy

The BJP MLA’s recent remark comes days after Telangana BJP chief Bandi Sanjay’s controversial statement while challenging AIMIM president Asaduddin Owaisi to excavate all mosques in the state to check what lies beneath them. He said that if Shivlingas are found, then Muslims will have to hand the mosques to the Hindus and if bodies are found, Muslims can claim those.

Addressing the Hindu Ekta Yatra, Bandi Sanjay had said, “Wherever mosque premises are excavated, Shivalingas are found. I’m challenging Owaisi that we will dig all mosques in the State. If dead bodies are recovered, you (Muslims) claim it. If Shiva (Shivalinga) is found, hand it over to us. Will you accept it?”

Will ban Urdu, says Bandi

He pledged to ban the Urdu language and abolish minority reservations if BJP comes to power in Telangana.

“If ‘Rama Rajya’ comes, we will completely ban the Urdu language. In the country wherever bomb blasts take place, it’s because Madrasas have become the training centres for terrorists. We should identify them,” Telangana BJP chief said.

Also read: Telangana: Polls 20 months away, but bickering begins among BJP’s CM aspirants