Congress MP Demands Debate On Ajmer Sharif Dargah Petition And Sambhal Violence

In a significant move, Congress MP Imran Pratapgarhi on Monday submitted a Suspension of Business notice in the Rajya Sabha, urging a discussion on the contentious Ajmer Sharif Dargah petition and the recent outbreak of violence in Sambhal, Uttar Pradesh.

Notice Submitted Under Rule 267

Citing Rule 267 of the Rules of Procedure and Conduct of Business in the Rajya Sabha, Pratapgarhi called for the suspension of routine proceedings, including Zero Hour and Question Hour, to prioritize deliberations on these pressing issues. He emphasized that the Ajmer Sharif Dargah, a symbol of India’s rich composite culture, faces a controversial petition questioning its historical identity.

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“This petition has created widespread anxiety among citizens,” Pratapgarhi remarked, adding that the issue takes on greater urgency following the violent clashes in Sambhal.

Sambhal Violence And Its Broader Implications

The violence in Sambhal erupted on November 24 when a court-ordered survey team arrived at a mosque at the center of a legal dispute. The mosque’s origins are under scrutiny, with claims suggesting it was built on the site of a Hindu temple. The survey faced strong local opposition, leading to clashes that claimed four lives and left many injured.

Pratapgarhi linked these events to what he described as a “disturbing pattern” of rising social tensions, which he believes threaten national harmony.

A Call For Unity And Harmony

In his notice, Pratapgarhi stressed the importance of fostering unity and brotherhood across religious and regional lines. “Promoting harmony is not just a moral obligation but a constitutional duty,” he asserted, urging the House to reflect on the broader implications of such incidents.

He further called on the Rajya Sabha to reaffirm its commitment to maintaining social cohesion, emphasizing that the ongoing debates over historical and religious sites could jeopardize the nation’s unity.

Petition On Ajmer Sharif Dargah

The Ajmer Sharif Dargah controversy stems from a petition alleging that the revere shrine construct over a Shiva temple. A court in Ajmer recently admitted the petition and issued notices to the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI), the Ajmer Dargah Committee, and the Ministry of Minority Affairs.

With these incidents sparking intense public discourse, the Congress MP’s further demand for parliamentary discussion reflects the urgency of addressing communal harmony and preserving India’s cultural heritage.