In the ongoing Gyanvapi dispute, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath sparked fresh controversy on Saturday by stating that it is “unfortunate” to refer to Gyanvapi as a mosque, calling it instead “an embodiment of Lord Vishwanath.” The comments came while he was inaugurating an international seminar on the “Contribution of Nath Panth in Building a Harmonious Society” at Deen Dayal Upadhyay Gorakhpur University.
Adityanath’s remarks reference the long-standing legal battle over the Gyanvapi mosque in Varanasi. In January 2024, the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) submitted a report stating that there “existed a large Hindu temple before the construction of the existing structure” in the 17th century. The report also mentioned that remnants of the original Hindu temple, such as stonework and mouldings, are still visible on the mosque’s western wall.
During his speech, the Chief Minister said, “It is unfortunate that some people refer to Gyanvapi as a mosque while it is the embodiment of Lord Vishwanath himself.”
The Gyanvapi Controversy
The Gyanvapi issue has been at the center of a heated legal dispute for years, with the Hindu side claiming that the mosque was built over the ruins of a pre-existing Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Vishwanath. The Muslim community, however, has contested these claims, maintaining that Gyanvapi is a mosque and rejecting the allegations of temple remnants. The matter is currently pending in court, where further archaeological surveys have been requested.
Samajwadi Party Reacts
Adityanath’s comments drew sharp criticism from the opposition Samajwadi Party (SP). SP spokesperson Abbas Haidar criticized the Chief Minister for his remarks, saying, “It seems that he (Yogi Adityanath) does not give respect to the court. The matter is pending in the court, and it is unfortunate that the Chief Minister, who has taken an oath of the Constitution, is not showing due respect to the judiciary.”
Haidar also accused Adityanath of using divisive rhetoric for political gains, adding, “For his vested political interests, he is dividing society. The public mandate given to the BJP shows that they have avoided addressing key issues affecting the people.”
Support from BJP and Seers
Adityanath’s remarks found support from his party and various religious leaders. Uttar Pradesh BJP spokesperson Manish Shukla echoed the Chief Minister’s sentiments, saying, “Historic, archaeological, and spiritual evidence categorically indicate that Gyanvapi is a temple.”
Similarly, Mahant Raju Das of Ayodhya’s Hanumangarhi temple said, “It is only the unfortunate people who are calling Gyanvapi a mosque. It is, in fact, the temple of Kashi Vishwanath.” He added, “Even a blind person, if they touch the structure, would feel the symbols of ‘Sanatan’ embedded in it.”
The debate surrounding Gyanvapi remains deeply divisive, reflecting the broader tensions between the Hindu and Muslim communities over heritage sites. The case continues to move through the courts, and the country awaits a final legal resolution.
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