Indore (Madhya Pradesh): Mhow MLA Usha Thakur has voiced her support for a controversial statement made by Hyderabad BJP MLA T Raja Singh regarding the scrutiny of businesses around the Mahakal temple in Ujjain. Thakur echoed Singh's concerns suggesting that there might be a ‘big conspiracy’ involving the operations of shops near the revered religious site.
Thakur alleged that some shop owners near religious places might be operating under false identities, which she claimed could undermine faith and religious sentiments. "Photos of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati are put up, but these establishments are operated by individuals using different names. This is a direct attack on our religious beliefs," she said, adding that such activities are deceptive and unconstitutional.
The remark comes after T Raja Singh, who visited Ujjain on Thursday, sparked controversy by stating that no Muslim-owned hotels or establishments should exist within a 5-kilometer radius of the Mahakal temple. Singh argued that the sanctity of the temple and its surroundings must be preserved. "If Hindus come to the temple after passing through an unholy place, even their prayers will not be accepted," he claimed. He also called on Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav to initiate a survey of businesses near the temple.
According to Singh, the survey should investigate what is being cooked, and sold and the ownership of these establishments. The statements by both leaders have drawn sharp reactions, with some groups supporting their stance in the name of preserving religious sanctity, while others have criticized them for promoting divisiveness and communal tension.
